Hymns to the Living God ‎#124

124. 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
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord;
and this shall be the sign:

4 "The heav'nly Babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all meanly wrapped in swaddling clothes
and in a manger laid."

5 Thus spoke the seraph, and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels, praising God, and thus
addressed their joyful song:

6 "All glory be to God on high,
and to the earth be peace;
goodwill henceforth from heav'n to men
begin and never cease."

Text Information

• First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
• Title: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
• Author: Nahum Tate (1700)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2017
• Topic: Jesus Christ: Incarnation

Tune Information

• Name: WINCHESTER OLD
• Meter: CM
• Key: F Major
• Source: Este's Psalmes, 1592; Este's Psalmes, 1592