Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#125

125. While shepherds watched their flocks by night

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 Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
And this shall 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 forth with
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."

Text Information

• First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
• Author: Nahum Tate, 1652-1715
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: Angels: Song at Nativity; Christmas Hymns; The Son: Christmas; Shepherds of Bethlehem; Nativity, the

Tune Information

• Name: WINCHESTER OLD
• Meter: C.M.
• Key: F Major or modal
• Source: Este's Psalter, 1592