Meter: Irregular with refrain Appears in 397 hymnals Scripture: Luke 2:4-15 First Line: The first Nowell the angel did say Refrain First Line: 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 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]
Used With Tune: THE FIRST NOWELL Text Sources: English carol, 17th century
The First Nowell