The Hymnal ‎#181

181. While shepherds watched their flocks by night

1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.

2 "Fear not," said he,--for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind,--
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.

3 "To you, in David's town, this day
Is born of David's line,
A Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign:

4 "The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapt in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid."

5 Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, and thus
Addressed their joyful song:

6 "All glory be to God on high
And on the earth be peace;
Good-will henceforth, from heaven to men,
Begin and never cease."

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
• Author: Nahum Tate (1702)
• Publication Date: 1895

Tune Information

(No tune information)