347. 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 humankind,
To you and humankind.

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 Thus spoke 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 on the earth be peace:
Good will henceforth, from heav'n to all,
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 (attributed to): Nahum Tate, 1652-1715
Meter: 86 86 6
Language: English
Publication Date: 2003
Tune Information
Name: CHRISTMAS
Composer: George Frideric Handel, 1685-1759
Adapter: John Foster, 1762-1822
Meter: 86 86 6
Key: C Major



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