The Nativity

For Christmas

"Song of the Angels at the Nativity of our Blessed Saviour. "

Luke II. from ver. 8 to ver. 15

Words: Nahum Tate, ca. 1700, alt.

Music: Not Stated

Meter: 86 86

Source: G. Walters, A Good Christmas Box (Dudley: G. Walters, 1847, Reprinted by Michael Raven, 2007), p. 20.

While shepherds watch'd their flocks by night,
Upon the verdant ground,
The angel of the Lord appear'd
And glory shone around.

Fear not, said he, tho' mighty dread
Had seiz'd each 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,
A Saviour who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be your sign.

The heavenly Babe you there shall find,
To human view display'd,
All meanly wrapt in swaddling clothes,
And in a manger laid.

Thus spoke the seraph and forthwith
Appear'd a heavenly throng
Of angels praising God, and thus
Address'd their joyful song.

"All glory be to God on high,
And on the earth be peace,
Good-will henceforth from heaven to men,
Begin and never cease."

Note:

Copies of this carol on this web site include:

• While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - Gilbert (with notes and sheet music)

• While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - Sandys

• While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night - Chandler

• While Shepherds Watched - RR Terry (1933)

• The Nativity - From A Good Christmas Box (this page)

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