VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers; Lynne Aspnes, harp; Christopher Kachian, guitar; Dave Hagedorn, marimba; Stu Janis, hammered dulcimer

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. Refrain: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel. They lookèd 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: Refrain And by the light of that same star, Three Wise Men came from country far, To seek a king was their intent, And to follow the star wheresoever it went: Refrain 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: Refrain Then did they know assuredly Within that house the King did lie: One entered in them for to see, And found the babe in poverty: Refrain Then entered in those Wise Men three, Full reverently upon their knee And offered there in his presence Their gold and myrrh and frankincense: Refrain Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord, That hath made heav’n and earth of nought, And with his death true life hath bought: Refrain Traditional