The shepherds

1 The shades of night in slumber fold,
The green Judean hills;
And one great wave of silence now
The lovely valleys fills.

2 The silvery starlight softly rests
On dreaming sea and shore,
And broods on sleeping Bethlehem
As in the days of yore.

3 The shepherds keep their nightly guard
Their browsing flocks around,
And wait the morning as they tread
Their often trodden round.

4 but lo! a sudden glory shines
Is splendor from the skies,
And, flashing from its burning beams,
A mighty Angel flies.

5 He cries aloud in joyous tone:
"Fear not, behold I bring
Good tidings of great joy to all
From Heav'ns eternal King:

6 The longing ages have received
The promise of his Word:
For unto you is born this day
A Saviour, Christ the Lord."

7 Oh, let our souls in peace ascend,
And catch the glad refrain:

Chorus:
"To God be glory, peace on earth,
And sweet good will to men!
To God be glory, peace on earth,
And sweet good will to men,
To God be glory, peace on earth,
And sweet good will to men,
And sweet good will to men."

Source: The Evergreen: songs for the Sunday school, sanctuary and home circle #168