The First Nowell (Nowell, Organ and Brass Descant, 4 Verses)

The First Nowell : Lyrics

The first Nowell, the angels say
To Bethlehem’s shepherds as they lay.
At midnight watch, when keeping sheep,
The winter wild, the light snow deep.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel.

The shepherds rose, and saw a star
Bright in the East, beyond them far,
Its beauty gave them great delight,
This star it set now day nor night.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel.

Now by the light of this bright star
Three wise men came from country far;
They sought a king, such their intent,
The star their guide where’er it went.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel.

Then drawing nigh to the northwest,
O’er Bethlehem town it took its rest;
The wise men learnt its cause of stay,
And found the place where Jesus lay.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel.

Meter: Irregular and Refrain. Lyricist: William Sandy (1792 – 1874). Public Domain.

Score

Available from MobileHymns.org

The First Nowell : Recordings

• Album: From Advent to Epiphany Volume 2
• Tune: The First Nowell, a traditional English melody by an anonymous composer. arranged by John Stainer (1840 – 1901). Public Domain
• Performance ℗ 2013 Richard M S Irwin. All rights reserved.

A recording of this hymn is available on Richard Irwin’s album – “From Advent to Epiphany Volume 2” which can be found on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes,  Spotify.

The First Nowell : Download

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Lectionary and Other Uses

• Christmas