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 swaddling 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 on the earth be peace;
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease.’
Song Meaning
The Christmas carol about angels appearing to shepherds.
Biblical Message
Read Luke 2:8-14 alongside the lyric. The carol follows the angels’ message to shepherds.
Reflection
Which word or image in the song speaks to your situation? Read Luke 2:8-14, then consider one response you can carry into the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” about?
The Christmas carol about angels appearing to shepherds.
Which Bible passage connects with the song?
Luke 2:8-14 is a starting point for reading alongside the lyric.