THE CHRISTIAN YEAR
Nahum Tate, 1652–1715.
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 ‘The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed.
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
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 on the earth be peace;
Good-will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease.’
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