Voices United ‎#75

75. 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 humankind.

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 forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song:

6 "All glory be to God on high,
and on earth be peace;
good will to all from highest heaven
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, alt.)
• Meter: 8 6 8 6
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1996
• Topic: The Christian Year: Christmas; Annunciation; Biblical Characters: David; Biblical Characters: Shepherds; Biblical Narrative; Christian Year: Christmas; Jesus Christ: Birth and Infancy; Jesus Christ: Incarnation; Jesus Christ: Kingship, Conqueror; Jesus Christ: Lord of Life; Revelation; Service Music: Doxologies; Christmas Eve: Year A; Christmas Eve: Year C

Tune Information

• Name: WINCHESTER OLD
• Meter: 8 6 8 6
• Key: F Major
• Source: Este's Whole Booke of Psalmes 1592 (adapt.)