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Lyrics and Information

While shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Words by Nahum Tate (1652-1715), 1700. First appeared in Tate and Brady’s Psalter, 1702
Tune: CHRISTMAS, by George F. Handel (1685-1759), 1728. Arranged in Harmonia Sacra, 1812
Key signature: D major (2 sharps)
Time signature: 4/4
Meter: 8.6.8.6. (C.M.) with repeat
Public Domain
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 A Savior, Who is Christ the Lord, And this shall be a sign, And this shall be a sign.
4. “The heav’nly Babe you there shall find To human view displayed, All meanly wrapped in swaddling clothes, And in a manger laid, And in a manger laid.
5. Thus spake the seraph and forthwith Appeared a shining throng Of angels praising God on high, Who thus addressed their song, Who thus addressed their song:
6. “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!”