The Hidden Meaning in the Name
While “Noel” traces its roots to the Latin natalis (birth), listen closely and you’ll hear a promise whispered through the centuries: Now-All-Is-Well.: Now-All-Is-Well. For a world plunged into darkness, the birth of Yeshua (Jesus) wasn’t just another historical event—it was the light breaking through.
A Musical and Spiritual Journey Through a Timeless Carol
When we sing “The First Nowell,” we’re not just repeating a pretty melody—we’re declaring an ancient promise fulfilled.
Why Shepherds? Why “Poor”?
The angels didn’t appear to kings or priests first. They came to shepherds in Bethlehem—those Scripture calls “poor.” But here’s what transforms this story: when Jesus said “the poor in spirit shall inherit the Earth” (Matthew 5:3), He wasn’t talking about economics. He meant those humble enough to receive God’s gift, those who knew they needed hope.
These shepherds were tending flocks in the same fields where King David once watched his sheep—the firstborn son who would become king. Now, another Firstborn was arriving, the “Elohim” (God with us), fulfilling prophecies spoken centuries earlier.
From Darkness to Light
The star wasn’t just celestial navigation—it symbolized light piercing a world desperate for hope, forgiveness, and joy. This carol captures that pivotal moment when heaven met earth, when an ancient promise became living reality, when Peace began its journey to the New Earth.
Experience It in Healing Frequency
🎵Listen on iTunes and let the harmonies wash over you. Four Celtic Voices – The First Noel
I’ve arranged “The First Noel” with lush 3-part harmonies, performed in 432 Hz Solfeggio frequency—a tuning known for its calming, restorative properties. This isn’t just a performance; it’s an invitation to experience the peace this carol proclaims. Our flutist, Alison Crossley and myself wrote the original Flute Solo together. For me, usually composing can be quite a lonely journey, so I remember with fondness, the various themes and rhythms we created during that cold day in NYC.
As we move into the new year, I’m expanding into Solfeggio Healing Music and offering private music therapy sessions. Because sometimes, the best way to understand “Now All Is Well” is to feel it. Contact for more information: music@celeste-ray.com
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The First Noel has roots that run deep—all the way back to 13th or 14th century Cornwall, a coastal county in South West England. This was during the Proto-Renaissance, that fascinating period right before Europe’s great cultural awakening.
Picture this: long before Broadway or movie theaters, people gathered for Miracle Plays—some of the earliest theater ever performed. These dramatic productions brought Bible stories to life, and naturally, the story of Jesus’ birth was a crowd favorite. Scholars believe The First Noel was born from these plays, either written specifically for a performance or inspired by the stories told on stage.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the carol didn’t stay confined to the theater. It escaped into the wild, so to speak. People in Cornwall began singing it in the streets and outside churches. The melody was so catchy and the message so uplifting that it spread like wildfire—each person who heard it couldn’t help but pass it along. That simple combination of a beautiful tune carrying a message of hope turned The First Noel into something much bigger than its humble theatrical beginnings.
Celeste Ray’s Arrangement:
1 The first Nowell 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.
Refrain –
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel
2 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.
Refrain –
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel
FLUTE SOLO
3 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.
Refrain 4x plus one final = 5 total
