The Hymnal, Revised and Enlarged, as adopted by the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America in the year of our Lord 1892 ‎#54a

54a. While shepherds watched their flocks

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,
The Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord;
And this will 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.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
• Title: While shepherds watched their flocks
• Author: Nahum Tate (1703)
• Meter: D. C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1892
• Notes: Tune name in index: WILLIS

Tune Information

• Name: [While shepherds watched their flocks by night]
• Composer: Richard Storrs Willis
• Meter: D. C. M.
• Key: C Major