The first Nowell

(short introduction)

The first Nowell, the angels 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 in a manger, Emmanuel.

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.

Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell,
born in a manger, Emmanuel.

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.

Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell,
born in a manger, Emmanuel.

This star shone bright in the northwest,
o'er Bethlehem it seemed to rest,
And there it did both stop and stay,
right over the place where Jesus lay.

Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell,
born in a manger, Emmanuel.

Then entered in those magi three,
and bending low upon their knees,
They offered there, in great reverence,
their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell,
born in a manger, Emmanuel.

Music: The First Nowell English carol (13th C)