The Book of Praise ‎#136

136. 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 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 search 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 hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood our life has bought. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The first nowell the angel did say
• Title: The first nowell
• Meter: Irregular
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1997
• Scripture:
  Matthew 1:1-12
  ;
  Luke 2:8-14
• Topic: Children and Youth: Christmas; Church Year: Christmas; Descants and Fauxbourdons; Epiphany; Recessionals
• Source: English traditional, 17th century
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
• Composer (descant): Healey Willan, 1880-1968
• Harmonizer (alternate harmony): Healey Willan , 1880-1968
• Meter: Irregular
• Key: D Major
• Source: English traditional carol; Sandy's Christmas Carols, 1833
• Copyright: Descant and alternate harmony © Oxford University Press