The Celebration Hymnal

272

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 wrapped 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!"

WORDS: Nahum Tate
MUSIC: George Frederick Handel
Theme: Christ: Birth