Hymn of the Week: November 30, 2020

Hymn of the Week: The First Nowell
Glory to God #147

The First Nowell

The first “Nowell” the angels 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.

Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell!
Born is the King of Israel!

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.

Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell!
Born is the King of Israel!

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.

Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell!
Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those wise men three,
Full rev’rently upon their knee,
And offered there, in his presence,
Their gold and myrrh, and frankincense.

Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell!
Born is the King of Israel!

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 mankind hath bought.

Nowell! Nowell! Nowell! Nowell!
Born is the King of Israel!

The popular Christmas Carol, The First Noël, is believed to date from the 13th or 14th century, a time in which all medieval civilization in Europe was springing to life. The inspiration for the story of the song comes from dramatizations of favorite Bible stories for holidays, which were called the Miracle Plays, they were very popular during this time. It tells the story of the night that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, based on the Gospel accounts in Luke 2 and Matthew 2.

Noël is the French word for Christmas and is from the Latin natalis, meaning "birthday." Most medieval poetry was written to be sung, so it is presumed that the words were written with an existing tune in mind. This makes the tune to the song even older and is likely English or French.

The spelling Nowell, which is found in our hymnal comes from the Cornish spelling but many folks do use the French spelling Noël.

Many thanks to David Rinehart’s awesome footage of the sanctuary and Leda Rutledge, Suzy Henry, Austin McElroy, and Ruth Sawyer for the wonderful bell solo.