Carol Service, 1947 - The Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Carol Service, 1947
The First Nowell
For Christmas Day In The Morning
Alternate Title: A Carol For The Epiphany
Words & Music: Traditional English carol of the 16th or 17th century, but possibly dating
from as early as the 13th Century. This combination of tune and lyrics first appeared in the
early 1800s.
1. The first nowell the Angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay.
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
In a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Chorus
Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell.
Born is the King is Israel.
2. They looked 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. Chorus
3. And by the light of that same Star
There came three wise men from countries far:
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the Star wherever it went. Chorus
4. This Star drew nigh to the North West;
And at Bethlehem Jury she took up her rest.
And there she did both stop and stay,
Right over the house where the King did lay. Chorus
5. Then entered in these wise men three,
Most reverently upon their knee,
And offered there, in his presence,
Both gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Chorus
6. Now let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
Which hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And by his blood mankind hath bought. Chorus
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