The Cyber Hymnal ‎#11534

11534. Shepherds Keeping Watch By Night

1 Shepherds keeping watch by night,
Saw around a glorious light;
Heard an angel then proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

Refrain:
Ring the merry songs today,
Sweetly chime Messiah’s morn;
Glad we hail this peaceful way,
"Christ the Lord for man is born!"

2 Soon by many a heav’nly tongue
Glory be to God was sung,
Peace on earth, good will to men,
Christ is born in Bethlehem. [Refrain]

3 Joyful tidings to mankind!
Richest grace they now may find;
Children, too, this grace may claim,
Christ is born in Bethlehem. [Refrain]

4 Oh! how great His grace and love,
Thus to leave His throne above;
Thus to bear our guilt and shame,
And be born in Bethlehem. [Refrain]

5 Lord! accept our warmest praise
For this condescending grace,
And our hearts with love inflame,
For Thy birth in Bethlehem. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: Shepherds keeping watch by night
• Title: Shepherds Keeping Watch By Night
• Author: Anonymous
• Refrain First Line: Ring the merry songs today
• Meter: 77.77 D
• Language: English
• Source: The New England Sabbath School Minstrel (Boston: New England Sabbath School Union, 1844)
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tune: MADRID arranged by Benjamin Carr

Tune Information

• Name: LOUVRE
• Arranger: Aaron Coons (1875)
• Meter: 77.77 D
• Key: F Major or modal
• Copyright: Public Domain