Blog Caroling

by Terry Thornton

The Mavourneen -- opps, make that the Maven at footnoteMaven has invited us all to go caroling with her. And we all must select our favorite carol to sing and post it. Upon it being posted, all the Genea-Bloggers and HOGS-Bloggers of the world will join in perfect harmony.

Here is my favorite carol so sing and make the hills come alive with the sounds of music and the words of THE FIRST NOEL.

The first Noel the angel did say

was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay:

in fields where they lay keeping their sheep,

on a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star

shining in the east, beyond them far;

and to the earth it gave great light,

and so it continued both day and night.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same star

three Wise Men came from country far;

to seek for a king was their intent,

and to follow the star wherever it went.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

born is the King of Israel.

This star drew nigh to the northwest,

o'er Bethlehem it took its rest;

and there it did both stop and stay;

right over the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

born is the King of Israel.

Then entered in those Wise Men three,

full reverently upon the knee,

and offered there in his presence,

their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,

born is the King of Israel.

Words: Traditional English carol based upon Luke 2:8-14 and Matthew 2:1-12

Music: Tradition English carol; harmony from Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871.

As printed in The United Methodist Hymnal. Nashville, Tennessee: The United Methodist Publishing House. 1989. Page 245.