88. The first Nowell the angel did say

1 The first Nowell the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields as 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.

2 They lookèd 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]

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]

4 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. [Refrain]

5 Then entered in those Wise Men three,
full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there, in his presence,
gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. [Refrain]

6 Then let us all with one accord
sing praise to our heavenly Lord;
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood our life hath bought. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: The first Nowell the angel did say
Author: Anonymous
Refrain First Line: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel
Meter: Irregular with Refrain
Language: English
Publication Date: 2010
Topic: Hymns for the Church Year: Christmas
Source: 18th-century English carol
Tune Information
Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
Harmonizer: John Stainer, 1840-1901
Meter: Irregular with Refrain
Key: D Major
Source: English carol, 17th century



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