Hymn
While Shepherds Watched their Flocks
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
A Savior, who is Christ, the Lord,
And this shall be the sign:--
The heav'nly 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 to the earth be peace;
Goodwill henceforth from heav'n to men
Begin, and never cease!
Amen.
While Shepherds Watched their Flocks — Text from American Lutheran Hymnal, 1930. Public domain. https://yeshuanow.com/hymns/while-shepherds-watched-their-flocks
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Questions about this hymn
Who wrote While Shepherds Watched their Flocks?
The words of While Shepherds Watched their Flocks were written by Nahum Tate; the version here was published in 1930. The library holds 2 more hymns by Nahum Tate, including No Change of Time Shall Ever Shock and O come, loud anthems let us sing.
Is While Shepherds Watched their Flocks public domain?
Yes. The words here are taken from American Lutheran Hymnal, published in 1930. Works published before 1931 are out of copyright in the United States, so you can print, project, perform and record this hymn freely. How we source and check every hymn.
What is the metre of While Shepherds Watched their Flocks?
While Shepherds Watched their Flocks is in Common Metre (8.6.8.6). Hymns in the same metre can usually be sung to the same tunes — for example, Immortal Love, for ever full, Spirit Divine, Attend Our Prayers and Addressing the Holy Spirit.