296. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
an 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 heav'nly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all meanly wrapped in swathing bands
and in a manger laid,
and in a manger laid."

5 The angel spoke, and suddenly
appeared a shining throng
of angels, praising God, who now
begin their joyful song,
begin their joyful song:

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

Text Information
First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
Title: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
Author: Nahum Tate (1702, alt.)
Meter: C.M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1995
Scripture: ;
Topic: Christmas; Christian year--Christmas
Tune Information
Name: CHRISTMAS
Composer: George Frideric Handel (1728)
Meter: C.M.
Key: D Major
Notes: 14 Y in 1891 Offices of Worship and Hymns



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