To Shepherds As They Watched By Night

Tune: Vom Himmel Hoch · Meter 8 8 8 8

1 To shepherds as they watched by night Appeared a host of angels bright; Behold the tender Babe, they said, In yonder lowly manger laid.

2 At Bethlehem, in David's town, As Micah did of old make known; 'Tis Jesus Christ, your Lord and King, Who doth to all salvation bring.

3 Oh, then rejoice that through His Son God is with sinners now at one; Made like yourselves of flesh and blood, Your Brother is th'eternal God.

4 What harm can sin and death then do? The true God now abides with you. Let hell and Satan rage and chafe, Christ is your Brother ye are safe.

5 Not one He will or can forsake Who Him his confidence doth make. Let all his wiles the Tempter try, You may his utmost pow'rs defy.

Words: Martin Luther (1483–1546); translated by Richard Massie (1800–1887)
Music: Leipzig, 1539 from Schumann's Geistliche Lieder; setting by unknown
Scripture: Is 9:2, Lk 2:8-15, Mic 5:2, 1Cor 15:55-57
Public domain. From the Open Hymnal Project.