83. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

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.

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."

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:

4 "The heav'nly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapt in swathing bands
And in a manger laid,
And in a manger laid."

5 "All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace:
Good will henceforth from heav'n to men
Begin and never cease!
Begin and never cease!"

Text Information
First Line: While shepherd watch'd their flocks by night
Title: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
Author: Nahum Tate
Language: English
Publication Date: 2001
Topic: Christmas
Tune Information
Name: CHRISTMAS
Composer: George F. Handel (arr.)
Key: C Major
Source: Arr.: Weyman's Melodia Sacra, 1815



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