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“NOEL (Christ Has Come)” breathes fresh life into a classic Christmas carol while honoring its timeless story. This Hymns Reborn arrangement pairs Don Chapman’s brand-new melody with his thoughtfully refined lyrics that preserve the wonder of the original while bringing greater theological clarity to the nativity narrative.
Hymn History: The First Noel
The origins of “The First Noel” are shrouded in the mists of history, much like the fields where shepherds once kept watch. Most scholars believe this carol emerged from the oral tradition of Cornwall, England, sometime in the 13th or 14th century. For generations, families passed the carol down through singing, which explains why so many variations exist today.
The carol first appeared in print in 1823 when William Sandys included it in his collection “Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern.” By this time, the song had evolved through centuries of retelling, picking up verses along the way. Different communities added their own stanzas, creating a patchwork of nativity imagery that sometimes blurred the Biblical timeline.
This folk tradition of adaptation is exactly what makes Don Chapman’s Hymns Reborn approach so fitting. Just as countless singers before have shaped this carol to speak to their generation, Chapman continues that legacy with both new lyrics and a fresh melody. Instead of theological confusion accumulating over time, Chapman intentionally refined the lyrics to align with Scripture while crafting a melody that speaks to modern worshippers. The result honors both the carol’s rich heritage and our commitment to Biblical accuracy.
Call to Worship
Need help finding the right words to introduce a hymn? Use this sample “Call to Worship” as a starting point, or let it inspire you to create a heartfelt invitation to praise in your own words!
Christmas carols carry us back to that holy night when heaven touched earth. The carol we’re about to sing tells the story we never tire of hearing: shepherds in fields, a star in the east, wise men on a journey, and the King of kings lying in a manger.
But this version does something special. It clears away centuries of confusion to help us see the nativity story with fresh clarity. The shepherds in their fields. The wise men following their star to a house where they found the young child. Two distinct moments, both orchestrated by God, both pointing to the same glorious truth.
As we sing, let’s join our voices with those shepherds who first heard the angels’ song, with those wise men who traveled so far to worship, and with countless believers across the ages who have proclaimed: Noel! The Christ has come!
Lead with Confidence
As you introduce “NOEL (Christ Has Come)” to your congregation, you’re giving them a gift that’s both familiar and fresh. Many will recognize echoes of “The First Noel” they’ve sung since childhood, but Chapman’s new melody and refined lyrics will capture their attention in a whole new way.
Here’s what makes this arrangement so powerful for worship: it tells the Christmas story accurately without losing any of the wonder. Your congregation can sing with both confidence and joy, knowing the words align with Scripture. The new melody is crafted specifically for modern worship settings, with a soaring chorus that invites full-hearted participation.
Don’t be afraid to share why you chose this version. Tell your church that while we treasure our traditional carols, sometimes refining them helps us worship with greater truth. Explain how the original verses had some timeline confusion, and this arrangement brings clarity while keeping the storybook beauty we love. When you reach that dynamic final line of the chorus, “Noel the Christ has come,” let it ring out as the declaration it is. This isn’t just a birth announcement. It’s a proclamation that echoes Peter’s confession: “You are the Christ!”
Blending Suggestions
Try using NOEL (Christ Has Come) in your worship set with these songs that fit thematically:
Joy to the World by Phil Wickham: These songs bookend the Christmas story perfectly. “NOEL” focuses on Christ’s arrival, while “Joy to the World” celebrates what that arrival means for all creation. Try using “NOEL” to tell the nativity story, then transition into “Joy to the World” to proclaim the global impact of the Savior’s birth. Both feature memorable melodies and singable choruses that unite congregations in celebration.
King of Kings by Hillsong Worship: This pairing creates a beautiful arc from Christ’s humble birth to His eternal reign. “NOEL” proclaims “Born is the King of Israel,” while “King of Kings” declares His authority over all creation. Use this combination to help your congregation connect the baby in Bethlehem with the risen Lord who sits on the throne. The bridge of “King of Kings” provides a natural follow-up to the nativity narrative.
What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship: Both songs celebrate the person and work of Jesus with a focus on His identity. Where “NOEL” introduces us to “Jesus the holy One” and “Emmanuel,” this contemporary anthem unpacks the beauty and power found in Christ’s name. Create a worship flow that moves from the announcement of His coming to meditation on who He is and what He’s done.
By weaving “NOEL (Christ Has Come)” together with these contemporary selections, you’ll create a worship experience that honors the timeless Christmas story while speaking in a musical language that connects with today’s church. Let this Hymns Reborn arrangement remind your congregation that the same Christ who came to Bethlehem continues to transform lives today!