While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Author – Nahum Tate, 1652–1715
Composer – Arranged from George F. Handel, 1685–1759
Tune Name – “Christmas”
Meter – CM (86.86)
Scripture Reference – Luke 2:8–14
Verse – “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.” Luke 2:8

The beloved Christmas carol “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” was written by Nahum Tate, an Irish poet who served as Poet Laureate of England. The hymn is a vivid retelling of the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth as recorded in Luke chapter 2. It stands out for its clear, narrative style that appeals to children and adults alike, making it one of the most enduring and widely sung hymns of the Christmas season.

From the time of the Protestant Reformation in the early sixteenth century until the early 1700s, the singing in English churches primarily consisted of metrical Psalms. The most common psalter used was the Sternhold-Hopkins Psalter of 1562, known for its faithfulness to the original Hebrew texts but lacking in poetic beauty. Over time, the archaic and awkward language of these Psalms began to hinder congregational singing. In 1696, Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brady published a new metrical version of the Psalms called the New Version, which aimed to bring poetic elegance to the texts without compromising theological integrity. Though initially met with resistance by some traditionalists, it was eventually approved by King William III and replaced the older psalter in many churches.

Tate and Brady also published a supplement to their New Version in 1700, which included sixteen original hymns. Among these, “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” was Tate’s retelling of the shepherds’ encounter with the angels. The hymn was the only one from the collection to stand the test of time and remains a Christmas favorite to this day. The simple, storytelling format of the carol makes the biblical account accessible and memorable, especially for children.

Nahum Tate was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1652, the son of a clergyman. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and appointed Poet Laureate of England in 1690. Though recognized for his literary talent, his personal life was marred by financial troubles and intemperance, and he eventually died in poverty at a debtor’s refuge in Southwark, London, in 1715. His collaborator, Nicholas Brady, was also Irish and educated at both Oxford and Trinity College. Brady served as a minister in the Anglican Church in Cork, Ireland.

The tune most commonly associated with this hymn, known as “Christmas,” is arranged from a composition by George Frederick Handel. Born in Halle, Germany, in 1685, Handel later became a naturalized English citizen and resided in England from 1713 until his death in 1759. He is best remembered for his masterwork The Messiah, composed in 1741 in a mere twenty-four days. Though Handel did write music specifically for hymn texts, many of his hymn tunes, including this one, are arrangements from his larger works.

“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” continues to be cherished by churches around the world. Its faithful scriptural retelling, singable meter, and uplifting melody give it a timeless quality. As the angelic message of peace and goodwill continues to echo through this hymn, it reminds believers of the wonder and joy of Christ’s birth and the simple faith of those who first heard the good news.