Moravian Book of Worship ‎#296

296. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
an 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 humankind,
to you and humankind.

3 "To you, in David's town this day
is born of David's line
the Savior, 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 The angel spoke, and suddenly
appeared a shining throng
of angels, praising God, who now
begin their joyful song,
begin their joyful song:

6 "All glory be to God on high,
and to the earth be peace;
good will henceforth from heav'n to all
begin and never cease,
begin and never cease."

Text Information

• First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
• Title: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
• Author: Nahum Tate (1702, alt.)
• Meter: C.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Matthew 1:23
  ;
  Luke 2:8-15
• Topic: Christmas; Christian year--Christmas

Tune Information

• Name: CHRISTMAS
• Composer: George Frideric Handel (1728)
• Meter: C.M.
• Key: D Major
• Notes: 14 Y in 1891 Offices of Worship and Hymns