The First Nowell

“There were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them… and they were terribly frightened.” | Luke 2:8-9

Traditional English Carol
Arr. Jody Killingsworth

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:

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel.

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:

Nowell . . .

And by the light of that same star,
Three Wise Men came from country far;
To seek a King was their intent,
And to follow that star wherever it went:

Nowell . . .

Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Fell reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in His presence,
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense:

Nowell . . .

Now let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made heaven and earth of nought,
And with his blood mankind hath bought:

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
Born is the King
Born is the King
Born is the King of Israel.