301. The first nowell the angel did say

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 When they looked up they 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;
over 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
and reverently, upon their knee,
they offered there in his presence
their gold and myrrh and frankincense. [Refrain]

6 Now let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
who has made heaven and earth from naught,
and with his blood salvation bought. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: The first nowell the angel did say
Refrain First Line: Noell, nowell, nowell, nowell
Meter: irregular
Language: English
Publication Date: 1999
Scripture: ; ;
Topic: Jesus Christ: Incarnation
Source: Anon., English, c. 17th cent.
Tune Information
Name: THE FIRST NOWELL
Harmonizer: David Evans, 1874-1948
Meter: irregular
Key: D Major
Source: English traditional melody
Copyright: Harmony from "Revised Church Hymnal," 1927 by permission of Oxford University Press



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