379. While shepherds watched their flocks by night

Author: Nahum Tate 1652-1715

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 not!’ 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 Bethlehem this day
is born of David’s line
a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord,
and this shall be the sign:

4. ‘The heavenly babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all simply wrapped in swaddling clothes
and in a manger laid.’

5. Thus spoke the seraph, and at once
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song:

6. ‘All glory be to God on high,
and to the earth be peace!
Goodwill henceforth from highest heaven
begin and never cease.’