Catholic Activity: Christmas Song: The Shepherds' Song

When Advent hymns have been sung until December 24, there is a delightful freshness to Christmas carols. The following song from The Story of the Redemption for Children published by the Gregorian Institute of America (now available online as a .pdf file from Musica Sacra) is one which children learn easily.

DIRECTIONS

The Shepherds

To the tune of Te Lucis ante Terminum

1. That night while people were asleep
The Shepherds watched their flocks of sheep.
Then suddenly an angel bright
Was standing in a blaze of light.

2. "Be not afraid," the angel said,
"I bring good news to make you glad.
For in a stable cave forlorn
The Savior of the world is born."

3. A host of angels in the sky
Began a song of love and joy:
"Glory to God in Heaven's height,
And peace to mean whose wills are right."

4.The Shepherds came and found the Child,
Within the manger, sweet and mild.
They found Him with His Mother dear,
And good St. Joseph kneeling near.

Activity Source: Christmas to Candlemas in a Catholic Home by Helen McLoughlin, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota