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76. While shepherds watched their flocks by night

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 all mankind.

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 to the earth be peace;
good will henceforth from heaven to men
begin and never cease.'

Text Information
First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
Author: Nahum Tate, 1652-1715
Meter: CM
Language: English
Publication Date: 2000
Scripture:
Topic: Christmas; Chirstimas Midnight
Tune Information
Name: WINCHESTER OLD
Composer (descant): Alan Gray, 1855-1935
Meter: CM
Key: F Major
Source: Thomas Este's Psalter, 1592
Copyright: Descant @ Cambridge University Press
Notes: Descant, Now Public Domain; When the descant is used, the bass note should be lower B flat, in place of D



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