While Shepherds watched their Flocks by night

One of the quintessential hymns for Christmas Eve.

The words are by Nahum Tate (1652-1715), and the music first appeared in the 1582 publication of Thomas Este's "Whole Book of Psalmes".

This performance features two free accompaniments (vs. 3 & vs. 6) composed by T. Tertius Noble (1867-1953). These can be found in "Fifty Free Organ Accompaniments to Well-Known Hymn Tunes," published by J. Fischer & Bro. in 1949.

There is one FULL VERSE of INTRODUCTION.

A photo of T. Tertius Noble is attached.

Merry Christmas to All!


While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
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.'

'To you in David's town this day
Is born of David's line
A Saviour, 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, who thus
Addressed their joyful 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.'