Hymns

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night

Words: Nahum Tate, Nicholas Brady · Music: George Frideric Handel, Samuel Arnold · 1700

Verse 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.

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,
to you and all mankind.

Verse 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:

Verse 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."

Verse 5
Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels, praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song,
addressed their joyful song:

Verse 6
"All glory be to God on high,
and on the earth be peace;
goodwill henceforth from heav'n to men
begin and never cease,
begin and never cease."

Words: Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brady, 1700 | Music: George Frideric Handel, 1728; adapt. and harm. Samuel Arnold, 1791

Isaiah 9; Matthew 1; Matthew 2; Luke 2; John 14; Philippians 2; Revelation 5

Christmas · Jesus, Birth of