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117 | Glory to God#118 | 119 |
Text: | While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks |
Author: | Nahum Tate |
Tune: | CHRISTMAS |
Arranger: | Lowell Mason |
Composer: | George Frederick Handel |
Media: | Audio recording |
1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
the angel of the Lord came down,
and 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 humankind,
to you and humankind.
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 “The heavenly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all humbly wrapped in swathing bands,
and in a manger laid,
and in a manger laid.”
5 Thus spoke the seraph, and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song,
addressed their joyful song:
6 “All glory be to God on high,
and to the earth be peace;
good will to all from highest heaven
begin and never cease,
begin and never cease!”
Text Information | |
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First Line: | While shepherds watched their flocks by night |
Title: | While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks |
Author: | Nahum Tate (1700, alt.) |
Meter: | CM with repeat |
Language: | English |
Publication Date: | 2013 |
Scripture: | ; |
Topic: | Christian Year: Nativity/Christmas; Christian Year: Epiphany; Jesus Christ: Birth |
Tune Information | |
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Name: | CHRISTMAS |
Composer: | George Frederick Handel (1728) |
Arranger: | Lowell Mason (1821) |
Meter: | CM with repeat |
Key: | D Major |
Notes: | (alternate tune: WINCHESTER OLD, 117) |
The publication of this text in the late 17th century marked an important moment in the transition from the older practice of psalm-singing to the newer style of hymn-singing. This tune was not originally written for church use but was derived from an operatic aria.
Media | |
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Audio recording: | ![]() |