Christian Worship ‎#335

335. To Shepherds as They Watched by Night

1 To shepherds as they watched by night
appeared a host of angels bright;
"Behold the tender babe," they said,
"In yonder lowly manger laid.

2 "At Bethlehem in David's town,
as Micah did of old make known.
It is the Christ, your Lord and King,
who will to all salvation bring."

3 O then rejoice that through his Son
God is with sinners now at one;
made like yourselves of flesh and blood,
your brother is th'eternal God.

4 What harm can sin and death then do?
The true God now abides with you.
Let hell and Satan storm and rave,
Christ is your brother — you are safe.

5 Not one he will or can forsake;
his promise he will never break.
Let ev'ry scheme the tempter try,
you may his utmost pow'rs defy.

6 You shall and must at last prevail;
God's own you are, you cannot fail.
To God forever sing your praise
with joy and patience all your days.

Text Information

• First Line: To shepherds as they watched by night
• Title: To Shepherds as They Watched by Night
• Author: Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Translator: Richard Massie, 1800-1887 (alt.)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2021
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-11
  ;
  Hebrews 2:10-18
• Topic: Christmas
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: PUER NOBIS
• Adapter: Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621
• Meter: LM
• Key: D Major
• Source: Latin, 15th cent.; Setting: Cowley Carol Book, 1902
• Copyright: Public Domain