There were…shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luke 2:8
Words: H. R. Waite, in The Sunday School Teacher, Volume 4 (London: Sunday School Union, 1871), page 561.
Music: Barcelona, anonymous, in Song Life, by Philip Phillips (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1872), page 9 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Waite’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Long ago in Bethlehem’s plain,
While the trembling shepherd throng
Listened to the wondrous strain,
Angels sang this holy song:
Lo! we bring you news of joy,
Peace on earth, good-will to men;
Glory be to God on high,
Christ the Lord is born—Amen.
Long ago the wise men came
From the far off Orient way,
Guided by the starry flame,
Where the Son of Mary lay.
Came to hear this news of joy,
Peace on earth, good-will to men;
Glory be to God on high,
Christ the Lord is born—Amen.
Bethlehem’s star is still in sight,
We rejoice to see its rays:
Angels sing again tonight:
We repeat the song of praise—
Hallelujah! shout for joy!
Peace on earth, good-will to men;
Glory be to God on high,
Christ the Lord is born—Amen.
Gates of pearl are open wide,
Christ the Lord has passed within,
He on earth for sinners died,
That they, too, might enter in.
Hear! oh, hear the cry of joy,
Peace on earth, good-will to men;
Glory be to God on high,
Christ the Lord is born—Amen.
Songs of angels, starry light,
Glad evangels from above,
Lead us all, this Christmas night,
Toward the shining gates above,
Whence first came this song of joy,
Peace on earth, good-will to men;
Glory be to God on high,
Christ the Lord is born—Amen.