Lutheran Book of Worship ‎#56

56. The First Noel

1 The first Noel 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:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel!
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 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 rev'rently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The first Noel the angel did say
• Title: The First Noel
• Refrain First Line: Noel, Noel
• Meter: irregular
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1978
• Topic: Christmas
• Source: English carol, c. 17th cent.

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
• Meter: irregular
• Key: D Major
• Source: English carol, c. 17th cent.