Nahum Teate came from a family of Puritan clergymen. He was the son of Faithful Teate, an Irish clergyman who had been Rector of Castleterra, Ballyhaise until his house was burnt and his family attacked after he had passed on information to the government about plans for the Irish Rebellion of 1641. After living at the provost's lodgings in Trinity College, Dublin, Faithful Teate moved to England - the incumbent at East Greenwich around 1650, and 'preacher of the gospel' at Sudbury[disambiguation needed ] from 1654 to 1658 - before returning to Dublin by 1660. He published a poem on the Trinity entitled Ter Tria, as well as some sermons, two of which he dedicated to Oliver and Henry Cromwell
lots more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahum_Tate
While shepherds watched
Nahum Tate Lyrics
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All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.
"Fear not!" said he, for mighty dread
Had seize their troubled mind,
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
"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:
"The heavenly babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid."
Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God on high,
Who thus addressed their song:
"All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will hence forth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease!"
The lyrics of Nahum Tate's "While Shepherds Watched" tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ as it is described in the Bible. In the opening lines, the scene is set as shepherds are tending their flocks at night when suddenly an angel appears to them. The angel assures the shepherds that they need not be afraid of him, and then announces that he brings "glad tidings of great joy" to both them and all people.
He goes on to explain that in the town of David, a child has been born who is a descendant of David and is the Savior. To find this heavenly child, the shepherds are told to look for a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. The angel's words are followed by an appearance of a large group of angels who sing praise to God and offer a message of hope and peace to all.
The message of "While Shepherds Watched" is one of hope and joy, which is fitting for a Christmas carol. It reminds us that despite any difficulties we may face, there is always a reason to be hopeful and happy. The song also underscores the role of the shepherds as humble witnesses to the birth of Christ, which is an important part of the Christmas story.
Line by Line Meaning
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
As the shepherds kept a watchful eye over their herds at night,
All seated on the ground,
They were resting on the earth, settled in for the night's duty,
The angel of the Lord came down,
Suddenly, the divine messenger of the Almighty descended from the heavens,
And glory shone around.
A radiant, brilliant light emerged from the heavenly being, illuminating the entire area,
"Fear not!" said he, for mighty dread
"Do not be afraid," reassured the angel, sensing the shepherds' intense terror,
Had seized their troubled mind,
Which had completely overwhelmed their thoughts and emotions,
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
"I am here to bring you news of great joy,
To you and all mankind.
A revelation that will bring happiness and delight to not just you, but every person on earth."
"To you, in David's town, this day
"This momentous occasion is happening to you, here in the town of David
Is born of David's line
A descendant of David's royal lineage is born,
The Savior, who is Christ the Lord;
And He is the one who will save people and is the Lord's chosen one;
And this shall be the sign:
And so that you may recognize Him,
"The heavenly babe you there shall find
"You will find the infant in swaddling clothes,
To human view displayed,
Lying in a manger and visible to all,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
Wearing simple bands of clothing,
And in a manger laid."
Placed in a feeding trough for animals."
Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
The divine being spoke these words, and quickly,
Appeared a shining throng
A multitude of other radiant celestial beings suddenly appeared,
Of angels praising God on high,
And the angels lifted their voices in praise to God in the highest realm,
Who thus addressed their song:
As they sang out in unison:
"All glory be to God on high,
"May all praise and honor be bestowed upon God in the highest,
And to the earth be peace;
And may peace now reign on earth;
Good will hence forth from heaven to men
And from this moment on, may goodwill prevail between heaven and humanity
Begin and never cease!"
May it start now and continue forevermore!"
Contributed by William S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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