What is the meaning of Noel?

Answer  
  

Every year, people sing songs like “The First Noel” at Christmas, and many wonder what a “noel” is. In French, *joyeux noel* means “Merry Christmas.” Our modern English word comes from the Middle English *nowel*, which Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defined as “a shout of joy or Christmas song.” The roots of the word are the French *noel* (“Christmas season”), which may come from the Old French *nael*. This, in turn, is derived from the Latin *natalis*, meaning “birth.” Since Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ, it was natural for people to refer to the celebration as the “nativity” or the “birth.”  
  

Another possible root for *noel*, also from the French, is the word *nouvelles*, meaning “news.” As the popular carol says, “The first noel the angels did say / Was to certain poor shepherds. . . .” The meaning of “news” certainly makes sense in that context; however, the early usage and definition of *noel* seem to focus more on the idea of birth, and that is probably the more accurate meaning.  
  

There are very few records giving the details of the earliest Christmas practices, but at least as early as the 4th century, some Christian groups were celebrating *natus Christus* on [December 25](December-25.html). Since their almanac referred to the day as “the birth of Christ,” it would be natural to see derivative words like *nael* and *noel* used in the same way.  
  

In the Middle Ages, several English carols began with *nowell*, and French carols similarly used *noel*. Since early songs often used the first word as the title, a “noel” came to refer to any song about the birth of Christ. Because of this, the word now carries the dual meaning of a Christmas song and the Christmas celebration itself.  
  

Our English carol “The First Noel” was first published in a book titled *Carols Ancient and Modern*, edited by William Sandys in 1823\. The message of the song is the joyous pronouncement that the King of Israel has been born. When we sing the song or wish someone a joyous noel, we are following the example of the angels, announcing the good news that Jesus Christ was born, not just for Israel, but for all mankind, so we could receive forgiveness of sins through Him.  
  

