The First Noel

1 

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.

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.

3 

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.

4 

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.

5 

Then entered in those wise men three,

full reverently upon their knee,

and offered there in his presence

their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.

6 

Then let us all with one accord

sing praises to our heavenly Lord,

that hath made heaven and earth of nought,

and with his blood our life hath bought.

Refrain:

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,

born is the King of Israel.

ANONYMOUS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4iXatDeY7A&list=RDY4iXatDeY7A&start_radio=1

I just noticed today that this song is really much more about the Wise Men and the star (from the Gospel of Matthew) than about the shepherds and sheep (from the Gospel of Luke). I've noticed also that quite a few Christmas songs conflate the two stories.