1 Who was there to hear good news proclaimed
by an angel from on high?
Who was there to hear the glorias
that rang throughout the sky?
Only shepherds on a barren hill,
caring for their flocks that night;
only shepherds lifting up their eyes
to see the wondrous sight.

2 Who knelt there beside the manger bed
of the new-born holy child?
Who stood round to sing the angels’ song
to Mary, mother mild?
Only shepherds bravely greeting him
who would rule their hearts one day;
only shepherds trusting peace would come
to those who walk his way.

3 Who amazed their friends with stories of
angel songs, incarnate Word?
Who gave thanks and praised God joyfully
for wonders seen and heard?
Only shepherds, simple folk and poor,
on a hill near Bethlehem;
only shepherds wise enough to see
that Christ had come for them.