Worship and Rejoice ‎#228

228. 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
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
and this shall be the sign,
and this shall be the sign:

4 "The heavenly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all meanly wrapped in swaddling bands,
and in a manger laid,
and in a manger laid."

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

6 "All glory be to God on high,
and to the earth be peace;
good will henceforth from heaven 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
• Paraphraser: Nahum Tate, 1652-1715 (alt.)
• Meter: C.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2003
• Scripture:
  John 1:14
  ;
  Luke 2:8-14
  ;
  Philippians 2:1-11
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: CHRISTMAS
• Arranger: George Frideric Handel, 1685-1759
• Meter: C.M.
• Key: C Major
• Copyright: Public Domain