This Christmas carol, first published in 1823, probably came from the Cornwall region on the coast of England. The English spelling of “Nowell” is an early modern rendering of the French Noël meaning “the Christmas season.” Noël comes from the Latin word natalis which means “birthday.” Three groups of people are in focus in the verses of this carol: shepherds, wise men, and believers in Christ. Together “with one accord (we) sing praises to our heavenly Lord Who hath made heav’n and earth of naught, And with his blood mankind hath bought.”