There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luke 2:8
Words: Judson W. Van DeVenter, in The Service of Praise, by Lincoln Hall et al. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Hall-Mack, 1900), number 165.
Music: J. Lincoln Hall (🔊 pdf nwc).
By the quiet waters flowing,
In the boundless pastures green,
Rest we, as the daylight going,
Leaves a gloom upon the scene.
Silently our watches keeping
Thro’ the shades of eventide,
O’er the flocks now still and sleeping
Undisturbed and satisfied.
Refrain
Sleep, gently sleep,
Sleep gently sleep.
One by one the stars appearing
In their never ending flight
Tell us of the morning nearing,
And illuminate the night.
As we watch them come unceasing,
One remains to grace the skies;
So we look with faith increasing,
For the Star of Hope to rise.
Refrain