Voices Together ‎#253

253. 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 humbly wrapped in swathing bands,
and in a manger laid,
and in a manger laid.”

5 The angel spoke, and suddenly
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, and thus
addressed their joyful song,
addressed their joyful song:

6 “All glory be to God on high
and to the earth be peace,
goodwill henceforth from heav’n to earth
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 (1700)
• Meter: CM
• Publication Date: 2020
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-20
• Source: based on Luke 2:8–14

Tune Information

• Name: CHRISTMAS
• Composer: George F. Handel (1728)
• Meter: CM
• Key: D Major