Title: While shepherd watched their flocks by night
Hymn Number: SS&S 33 (Sacred songs and solo)
1 While shepherds watched their flocks
by night,
All seated on the ground;
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.
2 Fear not ! said he for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind,
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.
3 o you, in David’s town, this day,
Is born of David’s line [Lord;
The Saviour, who is Christ the
And this shall be the sign :
4 he heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid.
5 Thus spake the seraph– and forth- [with
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song
6 All glory be to God on high !
And to the earth be peace !
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men
Begin,and never cease !
About The Hymn
The hymn “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”, numbered 33 in Sacred Songs and Solos, was written by Nahum Tate in 1700. It is a straightforward retelling of the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth, as described in Luke 2:8–14. Each of its six verses captures a key moment of the Nativity story, highlighting themes of divine revelation, joy, peace, and salvation. The hymn invites worshippers to reflect on the wondrous news of Christ’s birth and its significance for humanity.
Verse 1: The Scene of the Shepherds
The hymn begins:
“While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, the angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around.”
This opening verse sets the scene with a vivid image of shepherds tending their flocks under a quiet night sky. The sudden appearance of the angel introduces a moment of divine intervention, with the “glory” representing God’s radiant presence. It reflects the humility of God’s choice to announce this momentous event to ordinary shepherds, emphasizing that the message of Christ’s birth is for all people.
Verse 2: The Angel’s Reassurance
The second verse describes the angel’s comforting words:
“Fear not,” said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind; “Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind.”
The angel begins by addressing the shepherds’ natural fear, offering reassurance. The phrase “glad tidings of great joy” highlights the joyous nature of the message, not just for the shepherds but for all humanity. This verse introduces the universal significance of Christ’s birth, marking it as an event that brings hope and salvation to the world.
Verse 3: The Birth of the Savior
The third verse proclaims the central message:
“To you in David’s town this day is born of David’s line, the Savior who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be the sign.”
This verse connects Jesus’ birth to the Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah, who would come from David’s lineage and be born in Bethlehem. The titles “Savior” and “Christ the Lord” emphasize Jesus’ dual role as the one who brings salvation and as the divine King. The verse also introduces the sign that will confirm the angel’s message, guiding the shepherds to the newborn child.
Verse 4: The Sign of the Manger
The fourth verse reveals the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth:
“The heavenly Babe you there shall find to human view displayed, all meanly wrapped in swaddling bands and in a manger laid.”
This verse highlights the humility of the Incarnation, where the “heavenly Babe” is found in a manger, wrapped in simple cloths. The contrast between Jesus’ divine nature and His humble earthly beginnings reflects God’s choice to reveal His glory in unexpected ways, making the Savior accessible to all, including the lowly shepherds.
Verse 5: The Angelic Chorus
The fifth verse describes the response of the angelic host:
“Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith appeared a shining throng of angels praising God, who thus addressed their joyful song.”
Here, the hymn depicts the sudden appearance of a multitude of angels, joining the first messenger in an anthem of praise. This celestial chorus underscores the magnitude of the event, as heaven itself rejoices at the birth of the Savior. The verse transitions from the angel’s announcement to the universal celebration of Christ’s coming.
Verse 6: The Song of Peace and Glory
The final verse concludes with the angels’ song:
“All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; good will henceforth from heaven to men begin and never cease.”
This verse encapsulates the central message of the Nativity: glory to God for His redemptive plan and peace to humanity through Jesus Christ. The phrase “good will henceforth” signifies the reconciliation between God and mankind made possible by Christ’s birth. It serves as both a declaration of hope and a call to worship, inviting all to glorify God for His great gift.
Overall Message and Significance
“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night” is a hymn of proclamation, celebrating the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth and its significance for the world. Each verse captures a key moment in the Nativity story, from the appearance of the angel to the song of the heavenly host. The hymn emphasizes God’s grace in revealing the good news to humble shepherds and inviting all humanity to share in the joy and peace brought by the Savior.
The hymn’s straightforward retelling of the biblical account makes it accessible and memorable, while its message of divine love and salvation continues to resonate with worshippers. It reminds believers of the joy and hope of Christmas, calling them to join the angels in glorifying God for the gift of His Son. Through its timeless narrative and reverent tone, “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night” remains a cherished part of Christmas worship.