A shepherd band their flocks are keeping

1 A shepherd band their flocks are keeping,
And gentle lambs are sweetly sleeping;
When suddenly they all behold
An angel in bright robes with harp of gold.

2 Glad tidings of great joy he bringeth,
The azure vault with anthems ringeth;
"Emmanuel" awakes the song,
And countless hosts the glorious theme prolong.

3 "To you this day is born a Saviour,
Your Prophet, Priest, and King for ever;"
"All glory be to God," they cry;
"All glory be to God," let earth reply.

4 "On earth be peace with mercy blending,
Good-will to men, and love unending;"
Thus sweetly sing the angel throng,
And all the heavenly host rehearse the song.

5 Thro' field and wood the song resoundeth,
O'er hill and value the chorus boundeth;
Exultingly the echoes roll,
And hymns of triumph spread from pole to pole.

6 The shepherds view the host returning,
Their hearts with holy ardour burning;
To Bethlehem they wend their way,
Repeating with glad tongues th' angelic lay.

7 In haste they seek the heavenly Stranger;
They find the Babe laid in a manger;
With wonder and with awe they fall,
And joyfully adore Him, Lord of all!

8 Now every voice with rapture swelleth,
For Christ the Lord with mortals dwelleth;
Let men and angels Him adore,
And shout their glad Hosannnas evermore.


Source: Voices of Praise: for school and church and home #346

• MIDI file from Carols Old and Carols New: for use at Christmas and other seasons of the Christian year #4
  
• MIDI file from Carols Old and Carols New: for use at Christmas and other seasons of the Christian year #413
  
• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #6027