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While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

The same words as 2 hymnals printed them. Pick two versions to see every change between them: words added, dropped or altered, and verses left out.

20 words changed

Verse 1

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

Verse 1

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

Verse 2

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

Verse 2

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

Verse 3

"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:

Verse 3

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

Verse 4

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

Verse 4

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

Verse 5

Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, on high,
Who thus Addressed their song:

Verse 5

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

Verse 6

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

Verse 6

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