There were…shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luke 2:8
Words: J. F. Warner, 1849. Published in The Devotional Harmonist, edited by Charles Dingley (New York: George Lane & Levi Scott, 1851), page 373.
Music: Asa Hull, Happy Greetings (New York: Asa Hull, 1888), page 150 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Warner’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Silent night! hallowed night!
Land and deep silent sleep.
Softly glitters bright Bethlehem’s star,
Beckoning Israel’s eye from afar,
Where the Savior is born,
Where the Savior is born.
Silent night! hallowed night!
On the plain wakes the strain,
Sung by heavenly harbingers bright,
Filled with tidings of boundless delight,
Jesus, the Savior has come,
Jesus, the Savior has come.
Silent night! hallowed night!
Earth awake, silence break.
High your chorus of melody raise;
Sing to Heaven in anthems of praise,
Peace forever shall reign,
Peace forever shall reign.