The New Century Hymnal ‎#139

139. 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 in a manger, Emmanuel.

2 They looked above 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 sages came from country far,
To seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went. [Refrain]

4 This star shone bright in 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 magi three,
and bending low upon their knee,
They offered there, in great reverence,
their gold and myrrh and frankincense. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The first Nowell, the angel did say
• Title: The First Nowell
• Meter: Irr. with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-20
  ;
  Mark 1:9-11
  ;
  Matthew 2:1-12
• Topic: Christmas; Jesus Christ: Birth and Infancy; Year A: Epiphany; Year B: Epiphany; Year C: Epiphany
• Source: Traditional English carol, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
• Composer (descant): Edward Shippen Barnes (1937)
• Meter: Irr. with refrain
• Key: D Major
• Source: Harm. Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871