Hymns for Advent and Christmas/The Shepherds
THE SHEPHERDS.
Where the humble shepherds waking,
Kept their guard throughout the night;
Suddenly the heavens breaking,
Poured around them glorious light;
Then an Angel quick descended,
Clothed in holy majesty,
While the men with awe attended;
And amazed at what they see,
Hear the angel's exhortation;
"Fear ye not, for Joy I bring,
Tidings of the world's Salvation,
Of the Birth of Israel's King:
"In a manger lying lowly,
In the City, where of old
Royal David, pure and holy,
Watched o'er his father's fold:
"Where the beasts around are stalled,
Ye shall find the Newly-born,
Him, who Christ the Lord is called,
Bringer of a glorious morn."
Scarcely had the Angel ended
These sweet words of comforting,
When a heavenly host descended,
And with joy their praises sing;
"Unto God, who in the heaven
Dwells, be everlasting praise;
Peace on earth to man be given,
And good will through all his days."
When the men had heard the greeting,
As the angels went away,
Each began with bosom beating,
To his neighbour thus to say;
"Let us seek the lowly dwelling,
Where amid the lowing beasts,
As we heard the angels telling,
The Saviour of the world now rests.