There were…shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them,
Luke 2:8–11Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Words: Caroline L. Shacklock, in Sabbath Carols, edited by R. B. Mahaffey (Altoona, Pennsylvania: R. B. Mahaffey, 1881), pages 20–21.
Music: Grosseto T. Frank Allen (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Shacklock or Allen (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
With no pomp of earthly splendor
Comes the Savior, promised long,
Heralded by angel voices,
Blending in triumphant song;
On the shepherds’ lonely vigil
Falls the radiance from afar;
Seek they now the newborn Monarch,
Guided by the eastern star.
Refrain
Bow before Him, and adore Him;
At His feet your offering fling;
Child in form, yet Lord of glory,
Christ of Heav’n and earth the King.
Humbly cradled in a manger
Helpless lies the slumbering Child,
Guarded by the virgin mother,
Meek and lowly, undefiled.
God with us,
oh, blesséd promise!
Name all other names above;
Human for our sins to suffer,
But divine in matchless love.
Refrain