Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONG OF THE ANGELS AT THE NATIVITY, by NAHUM TATE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONG OF THE ANGELS AT THE NATIVITY, by             Poem Explanation     Poet's Biography
First Line: While shepherds watched their flocks by night
Last Line: "begin, and never cease!"
Variant Title(s): Christmas
Subject(s): Angels; Christmas; Nativity, The


While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground;
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.

"Fear not," said he--for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind--
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.

"To you, in David's town this day,
Is born of David's line
The Saviour, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign:

"The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed
All meanly wrapped in swathing-bands,
And in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song:

"All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good-will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin, and never cease!"





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