Hymn: | While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night |
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Tune: | Winchester Old |
Words: | Nahum Tate (1652-1715) |
Music: | Tate's Psalms, 1592 |
Verse 1
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
an angel of the Lord came down,
and glory shone around.
Verse 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."
Verse 3
"To you, in David's town, this day
is born of David's line
a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
and this shall be the sign:"
Verse 4
"The heavenly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all meanly wrapped in swaddling bands
and in a manger laid."
Verse 5
Thus spoke the angel; and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song:
Verse 6
"All glory be to God on high,
and to the earth be peace;
goodwill henceforth from heaven to men
begin and never cease!"