WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED

Words by Nahum Tate Music based on original melody from Este’s Psalms, arranged by W H Monk

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 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 David’s town this day

Is born of David’s line

A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord

And this shall be the sign.”

4 “A heavenly babe you there shall find

To human view displayed,

All meanly wrapped in swaddling clothes

And in a manger laid.”

5 Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith

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 heav’n to men

Begin and never cease.