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The First Noel

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The First Noel" ("The First Nowell") is a traditional English carol most likely from the 16th or 17th century, but possibly dating from as early as the 13th century. It appeared in Some Ancient Christmas Carols (1823) and Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern (1833), edited by William Sandys.

It's unlikely that Jesus' birth took place "on a cold winter's night that was so deep." Biblical scholars note that the shepherds, who are indeed sleeping in the fields with their sheep in Luke's account, would typically do so during the spring lambing season, and would otherwise find shelter for their flock under such frigid conditions. Also, Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem to register for the Roman census, which wasn't taken in winter due to the precarious traveling conditions. It's not certain how the December date was chosen, but some suggest it was meant to replace pagan winter celebrations. 
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 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

This star drew night to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took it's 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

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