The Hymnal ‎#129

129. 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 where they lay a-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 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]

3 And by the light of that same star,
Three Wise Men came from country afar;
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
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. [Refrain]

6 Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That both made heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought. [Refrain]

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: The first Nowell, the angel did say
• Refrain First Line: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
• Meter: Irregular, with Refrain
• Publication Date: 1950
• Topic: Jesus Christ the Lord: His Birth; Christ: Birth and Infancy of; Christ: Nativity, The; Christmas; Nativity, the
• Source: Old English carol

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
• Meter: Irregular, with Refrain
• Key: D Major
• Source: Traditional melody in W. Sandys' "Christmas Carols," 1833