Together in Song ‎#301

301. 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 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 When they looked up they 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 north-west;
over 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
and reverently, upon their knee,
they offered there in his presence
their gold and myrrh and frankincense. [Refrain]

6 Now let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
who has made heaven and earth from naught,
and with his blood salvation bought. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The first nowell the angel did say
• Refrain First Line: Noell, nowell, nowell, nowell
• Meter: irregular
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1999
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-14
  ;
  Luke 2:15-20
  ;
  Matthew 21:1-11
• Topic: Jesus Christ: Incarnation
• Source: Anon., English, c. 17th cent.

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
• Harmonizer: David Evans, 1874-1948
• Meter: irregular
• Key: D Major
• Source: English traditional melody
• Copyright: Harmony from "Revised Church Hymnal," 1927 by permission of Oxford University Press