The First Noel

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

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 whersoever it went

This star drew nigh to the north-west
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
Fell reverently upon their knee
And offered there in his presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense

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

Premier Noël : les anges saints
Parlèrent aux bergers humains
Qui surveillaient, en pleine nuit,
L'hiver, leur troupe de brebis.

Noël, Noël, Noël, Noël ! Il est né, le roi d'Israël !

Alors une étoile apparut,
Brillant à l’Est, loin d’eux, dessus.
L’étoile illumina, luisit
Sur terre le jour et la nuit.

Cette étoile a guidé, conduit
Trois sages d’un lointain pays ;
Un roi nouveau ils ont cherché,
L’étoile le leur a montré.

Sa direction fut l’occident,
Et Bethléem leur indiquant,
Elle s’arrêta sur l’endroit
Où se trouvait l’enfant Christ-roi.

Ces trois voyageurs sont entrés,
Et le genou ils ont plié ;
Ils lui offrirent leurs trésors :
Un peu de myrrhe, encens et or.

Et nous aussi, de notre mieux,
Chantons des louanges à Dieu,
Qui a créé tout du néant,
Par son saint sang nous rachetant.