Hymnal for Church and Home ‎#86

86. While Shepherds Watched

1 While shepherds watch'd 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 seiz'd 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
The Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign:

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

5 Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
Appear'd a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, who thus
Address'd their joyful song:

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

Text Information

• First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
• Title: While Shepherds Watched
• Author: Nahum Tate (1702)
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1927
• Topic: Christmas

Tune Information

• Name: [While shepherds watch'd their flocks by night]
• Key: F Major
• Source: Este's Psalter, 1592