Children's Hymnal ‎#174

174. The First Nowell

1 The first Nowell the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
In fields as they lay a=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 afar;
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]

Text Information

• First Line: The first Nowell, the angel did say
• Title: The First Nowell
• Refrain First Line: Noel, Noel
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1957
• Topic: Songs Suitable for Juniors; Jesus' Birth; Christmas
• Source: Old English Carol

Tune Information

• Name: [The first Nowell, the angel did say]
• Descant: Kathryn Reese O'Boyle
• Key: D Major
• Source: Traditional Melody in W. Sandys' Christmas Carols
• Copyright: Descant used by permission