Whilst Bethlehem's Shepherds Kept Their Flocks

Words: Leslie Bainbridge

Music: Earnest H. Smith

Source: Carol #604, Rev. Charles Lewis Hutchins, Carols Old and Carols New (Boston: Parish Choir, 1916)
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF

1. Whilst Bethlehem’s shepherds kept their flocks
All through the star-lit night,
An angel from the heavens drew near
And sudden was their fright;
"Fear not," he cried, "be not afraid,
Good news I come to bring
To you and all mankind is born
A Saviour and a King."

2. A throng of angels then began
Their voices sweet to raise,
Whilst on the ground the shepherds lay
To hear their songs of praise.
"All glory be to God on high"
Then raptured seraphs sing
"Peace on the earth, good-will to men,
All hail the new-born King."

3. To Bethlehem quick the shepherds ran
To seek this wondrous Child,
And found Him in a lowly shed,
With Mary, Mother mild:
Their voices then they lifted high
To glorify their God,
And told how they had seen that day
Their Saviour, Christ the Lord.

Sheet Music by Ernest H. Smith from Charles L. Hutchins, Carols Old and Carols New (Boston: Parish Choir, 1916), Carol #604

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