The Hymnbook ‎#169

169. 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,
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,
To you and all mankind.

3 "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
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 spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song,
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!
Begin and never cease!"

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
• Title: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night
• Author: Nahum Tate (1700)
• Meter: C. M.
• Publication Date: 1955
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:7-17
• Topic: Christ: Birth and Infancy; Peace on Earth; Jesus Christ: His Birth

Tune Information

• Name: CHRISTMAS
• Composer: Georg Friedrich Handel (1728)
• Meter: C. M.
• Key: D Major
• Notes: Arr. from Georg Friedrich Handel, 1728