Chalice Hymnal ‎#154

154. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
the messenger of God came down,
and glory shone around,
and glory shone around.

2 "Fear not," the angel said--for dread
had seized their troubled mind,
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
to all of humankind,
to all of humankind.

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:
and this shall be the sign:

4 "The heavenly 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 on the earth be peace;
good will henceforth from heaven to earth
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 (1700, alt.)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-14
• Topic: God Known in Jesus Christ: Birth; Christian Year: Christmas; Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ: Birth

Tune Information

• Name: CHRISTMAS
• Composer: George Frederick Handel (1728)
• Meter: CM
• Key: D Major