The First Nowell
The first Nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
The First Nowell is a hymn text by Anonymous (English carol) (1300) in Irregular with refrain meter. Found in elw 300, gather4 507, lbw 56, lsb 387.
A narrative carol telling the story of the birth of Jesus through the shepherds and the Magi following the star.
History & Background
A traditional English carol, first published in Sandys and Gilbert collections in 1823. The origins are medieval.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 300
- Gather 4th Edition — 507
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 56
- Lutheran Service Book — 387
Bulletin Note
The First Nowell — English carol, c.13th c.
Preaching Connection
Luke 2 and Matthew 2 — the shepherds and the Magi following the star to Bethlehem.