Es otra de mis canciones de Navidad (Christmas Carol) favoritas de siempre. Una de esas pocas que tiene la capacidad de emocionar y conmover hasta el límite. Con una música y letra perfectas que trascienden el tiempo y lo convierten en uno de los grandes clásicos rebosante de calidad.
Es de origen desconocido y la primera versión publicada data de 1823, aparecida en la colección “Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern”, y en “Sandys Christmas Carols”, en 1833, editada por William B. Sandys, con letras extra escritas por Davies Gilbert.

The First Noel
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 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 Pause and stay
Right o’er 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 their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Les dejo con algunas versiones, todas extraordinarias.

THE FIRST NOEL – John Denver

Elvis Presley The First Noel

Loretta Lynn – The First Noel

The First Noel – Voices of Liberty

Charlotte Church – The First Noel

The First Noël – Celtic Woman

Frank Sinatra – The First Noel

The First Noel – Whitney Houston

Gregorian – The First Noel

Susan Boyle – The Gift – The First Noel

The First Noel – University of Utah Singers – The University of Utah Singers perform «The First Noel» arr. by Dan Forrest live in concert, December 11th & 12th, 2009 in Libby Gardner concert hall under the direction of Dr. Brady Allred. – Piano: Laurel Enke