The First Noel
Words: Luther, Martin (1483-1546), tr. Massie, Richard (1800-1887) | Music: from Schumann's Geistliche Lieder, Leipzig, 1539
Key: DMeter: 8.8.8.8Tempo: mediumTime: 3/4
1. The first No- el the an- gel did say Was to cer- tain poor shep- herds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay tend- ing their sheep, On a cold win- ter's night that was so deep. No- el, No- el, No- el, No- el, Born is the King of Is- ra- el.
 
2. They look- �d up and saw a star Shin- ing in the east, be- yond them far; And to the earth it gave great light, And so it con- tin- ued both day and night.
 
3. And by the light of that same star Three Wise Men came from coun- try far; To seek for a King was their in- tent, And to fol- low the star wher- ev- er it went.
 
4. This star drew nigh to the north- west, Ov- er Beth- le- hem it took its rest; And there it did both stop and stay, Right ov- er the place where Je- sus lay.
 
5. Then did they know as- sur- ed- ly With- in that house the King did lie; One en- tered it them for to see, And found the Babe in pov- er- ty.
Scripture References: Is 9:2, Lk 2:8-15, Mic 5:2, 1Cor 15:55-57