The Book of Praise ‎#138

138. While shepherds watched

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 humankind.

3 "To you, in David's town, this day
is born of David's line
a Saviour, 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 wrapped in swaddling bands,
and in a manger laid."

5 Thus spoke the seraph, and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song:

6 "All glory be to God on high,
and to the earth be peace;
good will henceforth from heaven to earth
begin, and never cease!"

Text Information

• First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
• Title: While shepherds watched
• Author: Nahum Tate, 1652-1715
• Meter: 8 6 8 6 CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1997
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-14
• Topic: Church Year: Christmas; Descants and Fauxbourdons; Hymns with Doxologies; Jesus Christ: Redeemer and Savior
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: WINCHESTER OLD
• Composer (descant): Alan Gray, 1885-1935
• Meter: 8 6 8 6 CM
• Key: F Major
• Source: Este's Psalter 1592
• Copyright: Descant © Cambridge University Press
• Notes: Now Public Domain