Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal ‎#139

139. 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 Savior 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 forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God on high,
Who thus addressed their 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
• Title: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
• Author: Nahum Tate (1652-1715) (1700)
• Meter: C.M.
• Publication Date: 1985
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-14
• Topic: Jesus Christ: Birth

Tune Information

• Name: WINCHESTER OLD
• Meter: C.M.
• Incipit: 13321 44323 55453
• Key: F Major or modal
• Source: Este's Psalter, 1592