Shepherds, Watching O'er Your Flocks

For Christmas

Words: Canon Matthew Woodward

Music: Edgar Pettman

Source: Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 6, p. 9.

1. Shepherds, watching o'er your flocks,
As the darkness steals around,
Hark! What melody Divine
Floods the sky with wondrous sound.
Gloria in excelsis, Gloria in excelsis,
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

2. Lift your wondering eyes to Heaven,
Choirs of Angels gathered there,
In the solemn midnight hour
Break the stillness of the air.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

3. Stay not on the bleak hillside,
Hasten, shepherds, to obey;
To adore yon infant Child
Angels beckon your away.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

4. Where the ox and ass are stalled,
There's a babe in swaddling bands,
You to greet and you to bless
Lifts His tiny infant hands.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

5. Kneel down, shepherds, bow your heads,
Deep the mystery of love;
He is God and He is Man, Here on earth – in Heaven above.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

6. Mary, Joseph, shepherds too,
Join the Angel choir on high,
Make Heaven's highest arches ring
Through the deep dark midnight sky.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Sheet Music from Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 6, p. 9.

Sheet Music from Edgar Pettman, ed., Modern Christmas Carols (London: Weekes & Co., 1892), #7:

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