Common Praise ‎#76

76. While shepherds watched their flocks by night

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 all mankind.

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 swathing bands,
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:

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
• Author: Nahum Tate, 1652-1715
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-14
• Topic: Christmas; Chirstimas Midnight

Tune Information

• Name: WINCHESTER OLD
• Composer (descant): Alan Gray, 1855-1935
• Meter: CM
• Key: F Major
• Source: Thomas Este's Psalter, 1592
• Copyright: Descant @ Cambridge University Press
• Notes: Descant, Now Public Domain; When the descant is used, the bass note should be lower B flat, in place of D