While Shepherd's Watched Their Flocks
The Bands and Choir of The Salvation Army 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 seized their troubled mind;
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.
Is born of David’s line
A Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign:
“The heav’nly 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 henceforth from heav’n to men
Begin and never cease!”
The lyrics of "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" depict the Biblical story of the nativity and the announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds. The opening lines describe the scene of shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night, when suddenly an angel of the Lord appears and a glorious light surrounds them. The angel reassures them not to be afraid, as he brings them good news of great joy for all people.
The angel announces that in the town of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord has been born, and gives them a sign to recognize the baby: they will find the heavenly Babe lying in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. After delivering this message, the angel is joined by a multitude of shining angels who praise God and sing of His glory and the peace that will come to Earth through goodwill from heaven to humankind.
This traditional Christmas carol serves as a reminder of the humble beginnings of Jesus' birth and the joyous announcement made to the shepherds, who were among the first witnesses of this significant event. It calls for celebration, peace, and goodwill to all. The song beautifully captures the essence of the nativity story and the message of hope and salvation it represents.
Line by Line Meaning
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
As the shepherds kept guard over their flocks during the darkness of the night,
All seated on the ground,
They were gathered on the humble, lowly ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
The heavenly messenger sent by God descended from above,
And glory shone around.
Radiant and awe-inspiring divine light illuminated the surroundings.
“Fear not!” said he, for mighty dread
The angel reassured them, encouraging them to cast aside their overwhelming fear,
Had seized their troubled mind;
Which had seized their anxious and troubled thoughts;
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
The angel proclaimed joyful and delightful news,
To you and all mankind.
Intended for you and all humanity to hear.
“To you, in David’s town, this day
This very day, in the town of David,
Is born of David’s line
A descendant from David's lineage is now born
A Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
A Redeemer, who is the anointed Messiah and ruler,
And this shall be the sign:
And this is the distinctive proof:
“The heav’nly Babe you there shall find
You will find the heavenly Child there
To human view displayed,
Visible to humanity, openly revealed
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
Humbly wrapped in strips of cloth,
And in a manger laid.”
And placed in a feeding trough meant for animals.
Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
The angelic being spoke in this manner, immediately afterward
Appeared a shining throng
A radiant multitude suddenly came into view
Of angels praising God on high,
Angelic beings expressing praise to God in the highest heavens,
Who thus addressed their song:
They spoke their message through this song:
“All glory be to God on high,
Let all honor and praise be given to God in the highest heavens,
And to the Earth be peace;
And let peace be bestowed upon the Earth;
Good will henceforth from heav’n to men
God's favor and benevolence will now extend from heaven to humanity
Begin and never cease!”
Commencing and continuing indefinitely without end!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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