Meter: Irregular Appears in 405 hymnals Scripture: Galatians 4:4-5 First Line: The first Nowell, the angel did say Refrain First Line: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell Lyrics: 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 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 hath bought. [Refrain] Topics: Christian Year Nativity/Christmas; Christian Year Epiphany; Jesus Christ Birth Used With Tune: THE FIRST NOWELL Text Sources: English carol; Some Ancient Christmas Carols, 2nd ed., 1823, alt.
The First Nowell
My Starred Hymns
My Hymnals
My Purchased Files
