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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.

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.

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.

This star drew nigh to the northwest, o’er Bethlehem it took its rest, and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those Wise Men three, full rev’rently upon their knee, and offered there in His presence their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.

Then let us all in one accord sing praises to our heav’nly Lord, that hath made heav’n and earth of naught, and with His blood mankind hath bought.

CHORUS

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.  

John Stainer was born eight of nine children to William and Ann on June 6, 1840. Three of his siblings died in infancy. He was the youngest living child. They lived in Southawk, London, England. His father joined his brothers in the family business of making cabinets and other pieces of household furniture. His father later became a registrar for the county and later the head schoolmaster, and built a small organ. John learned to play the organ and could play one of Bach’s Fugue in E by the age of 7. Since John was quite an accomplished musician by the age of 9, he was asked to lead singing at the St. Paul’s Cathedral Church and Choir School. John had perfect pitch and became the church choir’s leading soloist. He traveled often to Hanover Square, where he worked as a performer/singer, and returned to his home by steamboat. When John was not performing, he attended school and learned Latin, math, reading, writing, and other subjects. He received formal organ lessons from the assistant organist at Hanover Square. In 1855, he was offered a 6-month contract as an organist. John was very successful and renewed his contract multiple times and received £30, which he paid to his father, for providing him with schooling. At the age of 16, because of music lessons and schooling, he was put in charge of other music teachers at St. Michale’s College. Part of his job was to give piano lessons for 2 hours every day. He received a Bachelor’s of Music at Oxford, and wrote a cantata based on Psalm 103. Although, he did not write The First Noel, he did set it to music. In 1865, John married Elize and they had 4 boys and 2 daughters. John passed away on March 31, 1901, in Verona, Italy.