I think my favorite Christmas carol has always been The First Noel. It’s such a beautiful, very old song that tells the story of the night of Baby Jesus’s birth and how the event astounded the rich and poor alike, from shepherds to wise men bringing riches. I always get a lump in my throat to imagine such a scene and how the news affected so many people, especially in an age where getting news out took so long. This however, sped across the countryside carried by angels.
I put the carol in my latest book Hope’s Angel and my scarred hero played it on the violin. I just adore violin music. It really speaks to me. I found a violin version on YouTube that made the hair on my neck rise. Take a listen.
This song was written around 1400-1500 AD but the author’s name has long been lost. However, it was first set to music in 1823 by William B. Sandys and has been sung in churches and by many recording artists through the years. The First Noel was first recorded by The Columbia Quartet in December 1917.
The inspiration for the story comes from dramatizations of favorite Bible stories for holidays which were called Miracle Plays and were very popular back in medieval times. The word Noel is French and means Christmas.
The First Noel by Gabby Barrett was so popular in 2020 that it was #78 in the top 100 chart for the first time.
Whether you say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, or something else I wish you nothing but the best.
Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men
Here in the Texas Panhandle, we do love our cowboys. There's just something about a man in a Stetson and jeans that makes my heart beat faster. I'm not much of a cook but I love to do genealogy and I'm a bit of a rock hound. I'm also a NY Times & USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. You can contact me through my website and I'd love to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and more. HAPPY READING!
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Merry Christmas!
Thank you, David. The same to you and your family. Happy New Year.
It is a beautiful song. Merry Christmas!
It certainly is, Sreesor. I just love it.
Thank you for the history of this song.
Scaredsilly, I was shocked to see how old this song is. Wow. I didn’t know. I hope your Christmas was merry and bright.
You are so right it is a beautiful song. Happy Holidays.
I hope you had the best Christmas, Quilt Lady. Mine certainly was. There’s nothing like being with the people who love you.
Merry Christmas Ms Linda. I love the First Noel, thanks for giving us the history of the amazing song. Love you dearly.
Miss Tonya, I was shocked to see how old this carol is. It might’ve been the first. If not, it was sure close. I’ve sung it all my life. I hope your Christmas was amazing, just being with the people who love you. I’m so glad your mom is better. That was the best gift of all. Be safe going home. Love and big hugs.
All the best to you Linda. Love you. I love The First Noel too and to know the history is special. Thank you.
Miss Kathy, the carol is certainly old. I didn’t know. I hope you had the best Christmas ever with the love of family around you. Mine was very special.
Love this version, with just the violin!! Merry Christmas!
Me too, Trudy. The violin is my favorite instrument. It seemed a little strange having a cowboy play it in Hope’s Angel, but I think it fit him. Now relax and get ready for New Years.
Thank you, Linda. May you have a blessed season and a very prosperous new year.
Judy, I certainly wish the same for you. May you have good health, much happiness, and less stress in 2023!
I love violin music. One of my daughters took lessons for several years to play the violin, but unfortunately she lives several states away so I have no idea what Christmas carols she plays. You would enjoy a cd I have called Music for String Lovers. It is a Christian string orchestra instrumental. Beautiful music!
Oh my goodness, Karijean! I’ll certainly check out that CD. I’ll love it. I hope you had a blessed Christmas.
Good morning, Thank you so much for sharing this info about The First Noel, I have always thought it was a Beautiful song. Have a Great day and a great week.
Alicia, I was shocked to see that it was written between 1400 and 1500. I had no idea it was this old. Have a wonderful New Year. Wishing you health, happiness, and a return to a more normal life. We haven’t had that in over four years. We’ve just been thrown from one crisis into another. I long for some peace.
It’s my favorite Christmas hymn. Thank you for sharing!
Kara, thank you for coming to read my post. I just didn’t know the carol was that old. It might’ve been the first one. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Thanks, Linda! Happy New Year!
Valri, I hope you had a great Christmas filled with love and warmth. Mine was wonderful. There’s nothing like being with family.
Thanks, Linda! I enjoy that carol also! Happy New Year!
Valri, that carol was beautifully written and who knew it was put to paper that long ago. It’s just really special. Happy New Year to you, dear friend. We need to have lunch soon. Maybe after the first of the year. I’m really focusing on finishing this book that’s due in 30 days.
I love this song. It is so heart warming. Thanks for sharing the history and the video.
You are welcome, Lori. It’s always a pleasure to share historical tidbits I find. Have a wonderful New Year. May 2023 bring us good health, much happiness, and less stress.
Thank you for sharing. God bless you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
O Holy Night is my favorite Christmas carol
Merry Christmas. I have always loved The First Noel.
denise
Love the history behind the carol. It sounds beautiful with the violin.
Linda, Thanks so much for sharing this. This is one of my favorite Christmas carols. The music just flows and the words tell the Christmas story well. I don’t know why, but many popular carols annoy me. I think they have been played so often and are just overused. This one continues to sooth and inspire.
I hope your Christmas was wonderful and you were able to stay warm.
Linda, Didn’t know that history of that Christmas carol. Hope, my favorite author & her family had a Awesome Christmas. Looking forward to a better New Year.
Hi Lois, I have such a good, happy Christmas with my family. My little four-year-old great grandson made sure we had plenty to laugh about. I hope yours was merry and bright as well. I’m glad it’s over with though and we can get back to normal. I have a book coming out in March. Yikes!