154. To Shepherds as They Watched by Night

1 To shepherds as they watched by night
Appeared a host of angels bright;
"Behold the tender Babe," they said,
In yonder lowly manger laid.

2 "At Bethlehem, in David's town,
As Micah did of old make known;
Tis Jesus Christ, your Lord and King,
Who doth to all salvation bring."

3 Oh, then rejoice that through His Son
God is with sinners now at one;
Made like yourselves of flesh and blood,
Your brother is th'eternal God.

4 What harm can sin and death then do?
The true God now abides with you.
Let hell and Satan rage and chafe,
Christ is your Brother--ye are safe.

5 Not one He will or can forsake
Who Him his confidence doth make.
Let all his wiles the Tempter try,
You may his utmost pow'rs defy.

6 Ye shall and must at last prevail;
God's own ye are, ye cannot fail.
To God forever sing your praise
With joy and patience all your days.

Text Information
First Line: To shepherds as they watched by night
Title: To Shepherds as They Watched by Night
German Title: Vom Himmel kam der Engle Schar
Author: M. Luther,1483-1546
Translator: R. Massie, 1800-87 (alt.)
Meter: L M
Language: English
Publication Date: 1996
Topic: Presentation of Christ; Christmas 1
Tune Information
Name: ICH KOMM AUS FREMDEN LANDEN HER
Meter: L M
Key: F Major
Source: Kranzelied, German, 15th cent.



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