Lutheran Worship ‎#70

70. While Shepherds Watched

1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.
"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind;
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.

2 "To you, in David's town, this day
Is born of David's line
A Savior, who is Christ the Lord;
And this shall be the sign:
The heav'nly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swaddling clothes
And in a manger laid."

3 Thus spake the seraph,and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, and thus
Addressed their joyful song:
"All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace:
Goodwill henceforth from heav'n to men
Begin and never cease."

Text Information

• First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
• Title: While Shepherds Watched
• Author: Nahum Tate, 1652-1715
• Meter: CM D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1982
• Topic: Christmas

Tune Information

• Name: WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED
• Meter: CM D
• Key: F Major
• Source: English carol
• Copyright: Arrangement: Copyright 1982 Concordia Publishing House.