71. While shepherds watched their flocks by night
C.M.
Winchester Old:
Whole Book of Psalmes, Thomas Este, 1592
Carol:
Richard Storrs Willis, 1850
Nahum Tate, 1702
While shepherds watched their flocks by night, All seated on the ground, The angel of the Lord came down, And glory shone around. | "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, 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: | "The heavenly Babe you there shall find To human view displayed, All meanly wrapped in swathing bands, And in a manger laid." | Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith Appeared a shining throng Of angels praising God, who thus Addressed their joyful song: | "All glory be to God on high And on the earth be peace; Good will henceforth from heaven to men Begin and never cease." | |