Our American Holidays - Christmas/Christmas (Tate)

by Nahum Tate

For works with similar titles, see Christmas.

For other versions of this work, see While shepherds watched their flocks by night (Tate).

CHRISTMAS

NAHUM TATE

While shepherds watch'd 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 display'd.
All meanly wrapt in swathing bands,
   And in a manger laid."

Thus spake the Seraph; and forthwith
   Appear'd a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, and thus
   Address'd 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!"