While by My Sheep I Watched at Night

By Theodore Baker

Lyrics

1. While by the sheep we watched at night,
glad tidings brought an angel bright.

Refrain:
How great our joy!
Great our joy!
Joy, joy, joy!
Joy, joy, joy!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!

2. There shall be born, so he did say,
in Bethlehem a child today.

3. There shall the child lie in a stall,
this child who shall redeem us all.

4. This gift of God we'll cherish well,
that ever joy our hearts shall fill.

Bible Reference

Luke 2:8–12

About This Hymn

"While by My Sheep I Watched at Night" is a traditional German Christmas carol, originally titled Joseph, lieber Joseph mein, dating back to the 17th century. The carol was translated into English by Theodore Baker, a prominent musicologist and translator, in the late 19th century. The melody was arranged by Hugo Jüngst, a German-American composer, around 1890. The hymn is characterized by its joyful refrain, "How great our joy! Great our joy! Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy!", which emphasizes the celebratory nature of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The lyrics of the carol narrate the announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds by an angel, as described in the Gospel of Luke. The shepherds are told to go to Bethlehem, where they will find the newborn child lying in a stall. The carol reflects the joy and wonder experienced by the shepherds upon receiving this divine message. The repeated refrain underscores the overwhelming joy and praise for the Lord in heaven on high.

Over time, "While by My Sheep I Watched at Night" has become a beloved carol in many Christian communities, sung during Christmas services and celebrations. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of joy and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The carol's simple yet profound lyrics, combined with its uplifting melody, continue to inspire and uplift the hearts of those who sing it.