One in Faith ‎#383

383. The First Nowell

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1 The first Nowell 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:
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 far,
To seek a king was their intent,
And to follow the star where'er it went. [Refrain]

4 This star drew near to the northwest,
Over Bethlehem it came to 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,
Fell rev'rently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The first Nowell the angel did say
• Title: The First Nowell
• Meter: Irregular with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2015
• Topic: Christmas
• Source: English carol, 17th cent.

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
• Harmonizer: John Stainer, 1840-1901
• Composer (descant): James J. Chepponis
• Meter: Irregular with refrain
• Key: C Major
• Source: English carol, 17th cent.
• Copyright: Desc © 1987, WLP