What Child Is This? (First Noel Prelude)

The first noël
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
Noël, noël, noël, noël
Born is the king of israel
Noël, noël, noël, noël
Born is the king of israel

What child is this who laid to rest
On mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is christ the king
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste, to bring him laud
The babe, the son of mary.
So bring him incense, gold and myrrh
Come peasant, king to own him
The king of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise a song on high
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for christ is born
The babe, the son of mary.
This, this is christ the king
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste, to bring him laud
The babe, the son of mary.