Evangelical Lutheran hymnal ‎#29a

29a. To Shepherds, as they watched by night

1 To Shepherds, as they watch'd by night,
Appeared a troop 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;
'Tis Jesus Christ, your Lord and King,
Who doth to all salvation bring.

3 Rejoice ye, then, that through His Son
God is with sinners now at one;
Made like yourselves of flesh and blood,
Your brother is th'eternal Good.

4 What harm can sin and death then do?
The true God now abides with you:
Let Hell and Satan chide and chafe,
God is your brother--ye are safe.

5 Not one He will nor can forsake
Who Him his confidence doth make:
Let all his wiles the tempter try,
You may his utmost powers defy.

6 Ye must at last prevail; for see,
God's kindred now in Christ are we,
To God forever give ye praise,
Patient and cheerful all your days.

Text Information

• First Line: To Shepherds, as they watched by night
• Author: Dr. M. Luther (1543)
• Translator: Richard Massie (1854)
• Meter: L. M. No. 1
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: The Church Year: Christmas
• Notes: Now Public Domain. From the German text: Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar

Tune Information

• Name: ERFURT (Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her)
• Meter: L. M. No. 1
• Key: D Major
• Notes: Public Domain.