The Cyber Hymnal ‎#11763

11763. Shepherds Their Watch Amid Their Flocks

1 Shepherds their watch amid their flocks were keeping
Dim were the hills beneath Judean skies,
When one bright seraph, as the world lay sleeping,
With light celestial blessed their wondering eyes.

2 "Behold! I bring glad tidings to all people,
For unto you," he cried, "the Christ is born!"
This is the news that rings from tower and steeple,
Throughout the land on every Christmas morn.

3 And then the angel told them of the manger,
Where lay the holy Child, in poor array,
Where He, the King of kings, a homeless stranger,
For love of man was born on Christmas Day.

4 Then suddenly, as if the courts of Heaven
Were overflowing with its joy and love,
A host of angels from the skies all riven,
Sang the high praises of the Lord above.

5 "Glory to God! To God the highest glory!"
And benedictions fell like summer rain.
"Peace upon earth!" until the world is hoary,
No song so sweet will fall to earth again.

Text Information

• First Line: Shepherds their watch amid their flocks were keeping
• Title: Shepherds Their Watch Amid Their Flocks
• Author: Clara H. Thwaites
• Meter: 11.10.11.10.10
• Language: English
• Source: A Selection of One Hundred Tunes Composed by Josiah Booth (London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Company, 1909)
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: COSTA MESA
• Composer: Josiah Booth (1909)
• Meter: 11.10.11.10.10
• Key: C Major
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Repeats the last line of each verse