The First Noel

1
The First Noel
2
Song Origins

• Original version dates back to 15th or 16th
  century
• Not written down or published until 1800s
• William B. Sandys and Davies Gilbert edited and
  added lyrics in 1823 to create the version we
  sing today

3
Song Origins

• The First Noel was not used in church services
  until the mid 1800s
• The early church looked down on peasant songs
  that they felt lacked the solemnity of true hymns

4
The First Noel

• The carol was sung each year by English peasants
  as they lit the family Yule log
• Yule log a huge log, hollowed out and filled
  with aromatic oils and spices. Lit on Christmas
  Even with the hope that it would burn through the
  12 days of Christmas ending on January 6

5
The First Noel

• Portrays in vivid narrative style the birth of
  Christ
• All six stanzas are needed to complete the entire
  event when the hymn is sung
• The last stanza urges us to join together to sing
  praises to God
• Noel happy birthday

6
Please join us in singing The First Noel.