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

'Fear not,' said he - for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind -
'Glad tidings of great joy I bring
to you and all mankind ………..

The hymn first appeared in print in 1702 and was the only Christmas carol officially sanctioned by the Church of England.

The little shepherds look very surprised to see an angel appear above the stable with Mary and Joseph and the new baby.   Provided the strong wind does not blow any more shepherds over, the scene should look good lit up in the dark on this postbox.

After being confined to the house for nine days with flu it was a relief to get out and feel normal again.  Twice today I have sung “While Shepherds watched  ….. ”  The first time was this morning in church with brass accompaniment and then this evening as part of audience participation at a concert given by the famous King’s College Choir of Cambridge at the Usher Hall.  

Carol 1