Author: Nahum Tate Hymnal: Laudes Domini #183 (1888) First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night Lyrics: 1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground;
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.
"Fear not," said he,--for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind,--
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
To you and all mankind.
2 "To you, in David's town this day,
Is born of David's line,
The Saviour, who is Christ, the Lord,
And this shall be the sign;--
The heavenly babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid."
3 Thus spake the seraph--and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song:--
"All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good-will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin, and never cease!" Topics: Advent of Christ At Birth; Christ Advent at Birth; Christ Incarnation of Languages: English Tune Title: NOEL
Bethlehem Song