The Angels and the Shepherds (2012)

The Angels And The Shepherds Perusal (PDF) (please feel free to print a complimentary copy for perusal)

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Voicing: SATB (some divisi)
Categories: *Christmas* *Spirituals*
A capella
Medium difficulty
This is a lively Christmas piece telling the story of the Angel’s appearance to the Shepherds, announcing the birth of the Christ chile. The chorus is written to be reminiscent of an Appalachian spiritual, although it is very much original. It starts simply and builds to a climactic praise of “Glory to God in the highest!”

cost: $2.00 per copy made from pdf

Text (by Michael Sandvik)

There was a day so long ago, a day of joy and mirth.
Yet earth’s sleeping eyes knew not our holy Savior’s birth.
An Angel flew across the land, the tidings to proclaim,
“Jesus Christ is come today, He’s born in Bethlehem!”

Alas, the nation slumbered on, the news it gave not heed.
Unknown to them the Savior came, a King from David’s seed.
The Angel turned to take his leave, for know one cared to know,
then lo, found he some shepherds longing for Shiloh there below.

To the shepherds came the angel host, so glorious and bright!
They sang aloud their praise to God, and peace to men that night.
To the city rushed the shepherd men, without a fear of danger,
to see the hope of all their prayers lying in a manger.

Once there they fell upon their knees in the stable cold and grim.
And worshiped Him who came to save mankind from all their sin.

Gloria, gloria, sing glory to God in the highest.
Gloria, gloria, peace on the earth, goodwill to men.
Gloria, gloria, sing glory to God in the highest.
Peace on earth and goodwill to men.

Praise God Almighty; Christ the Son, our King, and Friend, and Lord of men,
who conquered sin and death alike, and declares He’ll come again.
He will not come a lowly child at His next return to earth.
He’ll come in splendid vic’try, and proclaim His children’s worth.

Gloria, gloria, sing glory to God in the highest.
Gloria, gloria, peace on the earth, goodwill to men.
Gloria, gloria, sing glory to God in the highest.
Peace on earth and goodwill to men.

-to God alone all glory is given-