The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration ‎#135

135. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

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 Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign:
And this shall be the sign:

4 "The heav'nly 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 "All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace:
Good will henceforth from heav'n to men,
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
• Meter: C.M. with Repeats
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: Jesus Our Savior : His Birth

Tune Information

• Name: CHRISTMAS
• Composer: George Frederick Handel
• Meter: C.M. with Repeats
• Key: C Major
• Source: Weyman's Melodia Sacra, 1815