While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks Lyrics
1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.
2 “Fear nor!” said he- for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind-
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
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:
4 “The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid.”
5 Thus spake the seraph; and forth with
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God on high,
Who thus addressed their song:
6 “All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heaven to men,
Begin and never cease!”
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks Christmas Carol Story
“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” is a Christmas carol that was composed by Nahum Tate in 1700. This is based on the story of the shepherds and angels as found in Luke 2:8-14. It is actually a paraphrase of that scripture.
For those who are not familiar with this bible story here it is: Luke 2:8-14:
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Nahum Tate was born in 1652 in Dublin Ireland. He wrote for the stage. In writing for stage, he mainly adapted other people’s works and rarely did his own original work. He died a poor man after taking refuge from his creditors on 12th August 1715.
Below are more hymns’ lyrics and stories:
There’s a Song in the Air Lyrics, Story, and Video
Angels From the Realms of Glory Lyrics, Story, and Video
Of the Father’s Love Begotten Lyrics, Story, and Video
Give to Our God Immortal Praise Lyrics, Story, and Video
Unto the Hills Lyrics, Story, and Video
