Celebrating Grace Hymnal ‎#123

123. 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 swathing 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 on high,
who thus addressed their song,
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 earth
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
• Author: Nahum Tate (1700)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2010
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-16
• Topic: God the Son: Christmastide; Christian Year-Christmastide; Peace

Tune Information

• Name: CHRISTMAS
• Composer: George Frederick Handel (1728, arr.)
• Meter: CM
• Key: D♭ Major
• Source: Harmonia Sacra, 1812