We hear that the tune for this carol was from W. Sandy’s Christmas Carols, published in 1833, and arranged by none other than John Stainer (who is well-known for his wonderful work “God So Loved the World”).
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 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.
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.
This star drew nigh to the northwest, o’er Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.
Then entered in those Wise Men three, full reverently upon the knee,
And offered there, in his presence, their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Church Calendar: Christmas, Epiphany
Hymn Tune: THE FIRST NOWELL
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Other arrangements available for sixteen handbells.
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