Hymnal: New Christian Hymn and Tune Book
Date: 1882
Compiler: Fillmore Brothers
Publisher/Printer: Fillmore Brothers
First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
Topic: Christ/Nativity
Writer: <no first name given> Tate and Brady
Composer: F Giardini
Meter: CM double
Tune: Athens
Hymn Number: 83
Page Number: 033, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsWHILE 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 Saviour, 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 to the earth be peace;
Good-will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin, and never cease!"