The Presbyterian Hymnal ‎#56

56. The First Nowell

1 The first Nowell the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay akeeping 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 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 the 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 hath made Heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood our life hath bought. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The first Nowell the angel did say
• Title: The First Nowell
• Refrain First Line: Nowell, nowell
• Meter: Irregular with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1990
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:1-11
  ;
  Luke 2:4-15
• Source: English carol, 17th century

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
• Arranger: Healy Willan (1926)
• Meter: Irregular with refrain
• Source: English carol; Sandys' Christmas Carols, 1833
• Copyright: Alt. refrain used by permission of Oxford University Press, Inc.