With Heart and Voice ‎#38

38. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
an angel of the Lord came down,
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.

3 "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:

4 "The heavenly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all simply wrapped in swaddling clothes
and in a manger laid."

5 Thus spoke the angel. Suddenly
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song:

6 "All glory be to God on high,
and to the earth be peace;
to those on whom his favor rests
goodwill shall never cease."

Text Information

• First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
• Title: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
• Versifier: Nahum Tate (1700, alt.)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1989
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:8-14
• Topic: Bible Songs; Descants

Tune Information

• Name: [While shepherds watched their flocks by night]
• Composer (descant): Alan Gray (1923)
• Meter: CM
• Key: F Major or modal
• Source: T. Este's The Whole Booke of Psalmes, 1592