156. While shepherds watched their flocks

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

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

4 "The heav'nly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid,
And in a manger laid."

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

6 "All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace:
Good will henceforth, from heav'n to men,
Begin and never cease!
Begin and never cease!"

Amen.

Text Information
First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
Title: While shepherds watched their flocks
Author: Nahum Tate (1700)
Meter: C. M. with repeat
Language: English
Publication Date: 1961
Scripture:
Topic: Angels; Christ, The Lord Jesus; Christ: Birth of (3 more...)
Tune Information
Name: CHRISTMAS
Composer: George Frederick Handel (1728)
Meter: C. M. with repeat
Key: D Major



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