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The United Methodist Hymnal · No. 236b · Words: Nahum Tate · Tune: WINCHESTER OLD
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →A versification of the nativity narrative from Luke 2, written by Nahum Tate and first published in 1700. It recounts the angel's announcement to the shepherds of Christ's birth in Bethlehem.
Verse 1
While shepherds watched
their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
the angel of the
Lord came down,
and glory shown around,
and glory shown around.
Verse 2
“Fear not!” said he,
for mighty dread
had seized their
troubled mind,
“Glad tidings of
great joy I bring
to all of humankind,
to all of humankind.
Verse 3
“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,
and this shall be the sign:
Verse 4
“The heavenly babe
you there shall find
to human
view displayed,
all meanly wrapped
in swathing bands,
and in a manger laid,
and in a manger laid.”
Verse 5
Thus spake the seraph
and forthwith
appeared a
shining throng
of angels praising
God on high,
who thus addressed
their song,
who thus addressed
their song:
Verse 6
“All glory be to
God on high,
and to the
earth be peace;
good will henceforth
from heaven to earth
begin and never cease,
begin and never cease!”
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