For Christmas

Alternate Title: A Shepherd’s Carol

Words: Berger, Secoue Ton Sommeil Profond, An Old Besançon Carol
This carol from the eastern part of France, appeared in the "Recueil de Noëls anciens au patois de Besançon," which was published in 1842. The melody is probably from the seventeenth century.

Translation: Unknown

Tune: Besançon Melody
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / XML

Shepherds, the chorus come and swell!
Sing noel, noel!
Shepherds, the mighty chorus come and swell!

Shepherds, shake off your drowsy sleep!
Rise and leave your silly sheep.
Angels from heav’n around are singing,
Tidings of great joy are bringing.
Shepherds, the chorus come and swell!
Sing noel, noel! Sing noel!

Hark! Even now the bells ring ’round!
Listen to their merry sound:
Hark! How the birds now songs are making
As if winter’s chains are breaking.
Shepherds, the chorus come and swell!
Sing noel, noel! Sing noel!

See how the flow’rs all burst anew,
Thinking the snow is summer dew:
See how the stars afresh are glowing,
All of their brightest beams bestowing!

Cometh at length the age of peace,
Strife and sorrow now shall cease!
Prophets foretold the wondrous story
Of this heav’n-born Prince of Glory!
Shepherds, the chorus come and swell!
Sing noel, noel! Sing noel!

Shepherds! Then up and quick away.
Go seek the Babe ere break of day;
He is the hope of ev’ry nation,
All in Him shall find salvation!
Shepherds, the chorus come and swell,
Sing noel, O sing noel!