Full Lyrics
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."
"All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease."
About This Song
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" is one of the oldest Christmas hymns in the English language, with words by Nahum Tate written around 1700. It closely follows the biblical account of the angels appearing to shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth.
For many years it was the only Christmas hymn officially permitted to be sung in Anglican churches, which helped establish it as a cornerstone of the Christmas carol tradition.
The dramatic story of ordinary shepherds receiving extraordinary news makes this hymn particularly engaging for children, especially during nativity plays and Christmas Eve services.