Shepherds, Rejoice!

Even though it’s not strictly a Christmas carol, Isaac Watts’ ’Joy to the World’ is familiar to many. The one below by him is not so well known. I like that it tells a story of sorts. The first two stanzas are spoken by the angel Gabriel, then comes the response of the heavenly choir in stanza three, followed by our call to praise in stanza four.

‘Shepherds, rejoice! lift up your eyes

And send your fears away;

News from the region of the skies:

Salvation’s born today!

Jesus, the God whom angels fear,

Comes down to dwell with you;

Today he makes his entrance here,

But not as monarchs do.

‘No gold, nor purple swaddling bands,

Nor royal shining things;

A manger for his cradle stands,

And holds the King of kings.

Go, shepherds, where the Infant lies,

And see his humble throne;

With tears of joy in all your eyes,

Go, shepherds, kiss the Son.’

Thus Gabriel sang, and straight around

The heavenly armies throng;

They tune their harps to lofty sound

And thus conclude the song:

‘Glory to God that reigns above,

Let peace surround the earth;

Mortals shall know their Maker’s love

At their Redeemer's birth.’

Lord! and shall angels have their songs

And men no tunes to raise?

O may we lose these useless tongues

When they forget to praise!

‘Glory to God that reigns above,

That pitied us forlorn!’

We join to sing our Maker’s love,

For there’s a Saviour born.

Words by Isaac Watts (1674–1748).