You help make Hymnary.org possible. More than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources and encouragement on Hymnary.org in 2025, including you. Every visit affirms the global impact of this ministry.

If Hymnary has been meaningful to you this year, would you take a moment today to help sustain it? A gift of any size—paired with a note of encouragement if you wish—directly supports the server costs, research work and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org
Calvin University
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for your partnership, and may the hope of Advent fill your heart.

Click here to donate to Hymnary.org I have already donated. Please don't show this to me again
Text:While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
Author:Nahum Tate
Tune:[While shepherds watched their flocks by night]
Composer:George F. Handel

10. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

1 While shepherds watch'd their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The Angel of the Lord came down,
Amd 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.

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 All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Goodwill henceforth from heav'n to men,
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
Language: English
Publication Date: 1955
Tune Information
Name: [While shepherds watched their flocks by night]
Composer: George F. Handel
Key: D Major



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.