A group of women gathered for dinner, prayer, and a craft. One of the ladies instructed us on how to paint a watercolor wreath and had pre-cut letters so that we could put the word Joy or Noel in the center of the wreath.
Someone asked, “What does Noel mean?” And while the answers varied, none of us clearly remembered. Before confirming the true definition, the consensus was that maybe it meant “Peace.”
Someone started singing, “The First Peace” to the tune of “The First Noel.” That rendition of the song seemed to only add to our confusion.
Turns out, we were wrong. The word Noel has come to mean Christmas, originally from the Latin for “to be born.” Once this was clarified, one of the girls began singing to herself, “The First Noel...” filling in the word, “Christmas” for “Noel.”
“Yeah, that makes sense!” was her exclamation after getting to the third line of the song.
However, after her singing, I realized the truth behind the concept of The First Peace, as well. Our erroneous definition was actually accurate in its sentiment and gave me a fresh look at the old song. When we know something, like the words to a song, we sing it without thinking or reflecting on its true meaning. So today, I invite you to look at the words to this song anew. And, more importantly, to reflect on the peace that Christ brought to the world on the night of His birth.
THE FIRST NOEL LYRICS
The First Noel, the angels 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
Born is the King of Israel!