Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New ‎#641

641. 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 lookèd 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 north-west,
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 rev'rently 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,
who with the Father we adore
and Spirit blest for evermore. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The first Nowell the angel did say
• Title: The first Nowell
• Meter: Irregular
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-20
  ;
  Matthew 2:1-12
• Topic: Christmas; Year B: Proper 15; Years A, B, and C: Christmas Day
• Source: William Sandys' "Christmas Carols, Ancient and Modern" (1833) alt.

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
• Arranger: John Stainer
• Meter: Irregular
• Key: C Major
• Source: Traditional English melody