The Shepherds in Judea
Oh, the Shepherds in Judea,
They are pacing to and fro.
For the air grows chill at twilight
And the weanling lambs are slow!
Leave, O lambs, the dripping sedges, quit the bramble and the brier,
Leave the fields of barley stubble, for we light the watching fire;
Twinkling fires across the twilight, and a bitter watch to keep,
Lest the prowlers come a-thieving where the flocks unguarded sleep.
Oh, the Shepherds in Judea,
They are singing soft and low—
Song the blessed angels taught them
All the centuries ago!
There was never roof to hide them, there were never walls to bind;
Stark they lie beneath the star-beams, whom the blessed angels find,
With the huddled flocks upstarting, wondering if they hear aright.
While the Kings come riding, riding, solemn shadows in the night.
Oh, the Shepherds in Judea,
They are thinking, as they go,
Of the light that broke their watching
On the hillside in the snow!—
Scattered snow along the hillside, white as springtime fleeces are,
With the whiter wings above them and the glory-streaming star—
Guiding-star across the housetops; never fear the Shepherds felt
Till they found the Babe in manger where the kindly cattle knelt.
Oh, the Shepherds in Judea!—
Do you think the Shepherds know
How the whole round earth is brightened
In the ruddy Christmas glow?
How the sighs are lost in laughter, and the laughter brings the tears,
As the thoughts of men go seeking back across the darkling years
Till they find the wayside stable that the star-led Wise Men found,
With the Shepherds, mute, adoring, and the glory shining round!
poem by Mary Austin
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
Vote! | Copy!
Related quotes
We Saw The Star
We saw the star said the shepherds, on the hills that night,
Grazing with their sheep, when suddenly they got a fright;
Because all of a sudden, in the sky, a star shone so bright,
There was also angels singing, with a heavenly light.
We have seen the Star, said the Wisemen, from afar,
And knew the message meant, they had to follow a star;
To come from the east on their camels, to meet the king,
Bearing the Gold, Frankinsense and Mhyrr, they did bring.
We see the Star, on the top of the Christmas tree,
And there is the Angel shining bright, we also see;
And then we see on the table, the manger scene,
We also see each gift, and we know what it does mean.
We see the star, reminds us of the first heavenly light,
And know of the Angel, with the Message, that night;
We remember the Wisemen and the shepherds too,
But the most important is, Christ came, for me and you.
poem by Margaret Haig
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Unto You This Night
On a night so long ago
By the light of one bright star
Two weary travelers far from galilee
Took refuge in a stable
Where a little child was born
To bring the gift of love to you and me
When the angels told the shepherds of his birth
There came a great rejoicing on the earth
Chorus:
And they sang glory to God in the highest
Dawning that first christmas morn
Peace on earth and ridings of great joy
For unto you this night a child is born
And, lo, these many years since then
That ancient star still guides us
And now again our christmas voices ring
Blessed we are and safe at home
With loved ones her beside us
And in the still and silent night we sing
How the angels told the shepherds of his birth
And there came a great rejoicing on the earth
Repeat chorus:
song performed by by Garth Brooks
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
The Christmas Number poem.
One Star to shine, over the stable that first Christmas morn,
One Angel Gabriel, gave the message, Jesus would be born;
One stable to stay in, cause there was no room in the inn,
And One new King born, to be our Saviour, to save us from sin.
Two parents to come, give a child a new start,
Two cousins, who found each did love God from the heart;
Two special people, who blessed the new Saviour,
And two baby boys born, for a reason, in Gods favor.
Three wise men, came traveling from the east,
Three gifts to be given, to a new king, our high Priest;
Three sets of people, see the babe in the manger,
And three days journey for the new family in danger.
Four or more, shepherds heard the angel speak, in the sky,
Four or more angels singing, praises, the shepherds did sigh;
Four or more soldiers searching for the new born king,
And four or more reasons why we our praises should sing.
poem by Margaret Haig
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
What Child Is This?
What child is this, who laid to rest
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
whom shepherds guard and angels sing
haste, haste to bring him laud
the babe, the son of Mary
Why lies He in such mean state
where ox and and ass are feeding?
good christian, fear for sinners here
the silent word is pleading
this, this is Christ the King
whom shepherds guard and angels sing
haste, haste to bring him laud
the babe, the son of Mary
Nails, spear, shall, pierce him through
the cross be bome, for me, for you
hail, hail, the world made flesh
the babe, the son of Mary
this, this is Christ the King
whom shepherds guard and angels sing
haste, haste to bring him laud
the babe, the son of Mary
So bring him incense, gold and myrrh
come peasant, King to own him
the King of Kings salvation brings
let loving hearts enthrone him
this, this is Christ the King
whom shepherds guard and angels sing
haste, haste to bring him laud
the babe, the son of Mary
Raise, raise, the song on high
the Virgin sings her llullaby
joy, joy for Christ is born
the babe, the son of Mary
this, this is Christ the King
whom shepherds guard and angels sing
haste, haste to bring him laud
the babe, the son of Mary
song performed by by Donna Summer
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
One Bright Star
Long, long ago.
In a world dark and cold,
Night so still, winter's chill.
One bright star was shining.
On a bed made of hay, in a manger He lay.
Shepherds came, they knew His name.
King of Kings, a brand new day.
Chorus:
They saw the Light in the darkness
it shines on us in tenderness.
It brings out the hope that's in all of us.
May it shine It's light on you this Christmas Night.
On this Christmas day
May that star light your way
This Christmas Eve , I still believe
That same star still shines on me.
(Repeat Chorus)
song performed by by Vince Gill
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
A Christmas Carol
On a early summer day
while shepherds fed their flocks hay
all the earth was rejoicing
about the coming king.
Angels sang, appeared in great glory
and told scared men the blessed story,
early in the morn, of the child being born,
the Prince of peace, the creator God, Jesus the Christ
for whom a manger sufficed.
A star guided wise men right through the night
they followed its bright light
and over a stable it halted its flight
where they found the child they sought
and bowed before the king
seeing the mild maiden mother glowing
with admiration, worshipping Him,
they gave the treasures that they brought
and the world was at peace
while God walked among men
and now like then:
giving out His love that never ceases.
poem by Gert Strydom
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Three Kings and the Star of Hope
Three wise men of nowhere
Without medals and kingdoms to claim
From the East they marched forward
To find the child beneath the shining star.
Three wise men in their glorious attire
Journeyed long to find the shining star
Stopped by the soldiers of Herod`s iron hand
Ordered to tell where the child could be found.
Three wise men of hope without certain ground
Only guided by the shining star in their mind
Continued to journey to find the child
And met the shepherds who in their search came by.
Three wise men led by the shining star
Reached the stable to find the child
They offered their gifts- gold, frankincense and
myrrh to a child, cradled by voices of angels.
Three wise men in our time
Only with their names and gifts from their hands
Filled with hope from the shining star
Met Jesus, the child, the end of the
long journey so worthwhile to try.
poem by Elizabeth Padillo Olesen
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
A Christmas Lullabay
A Christmas Lullaby
Sleep, baby, sleep! The Mother
sings:
Heaven's angels kneel and fold
their wings.
Sleep, baby, sleep!
With swathes of scented hay Thy
bed
By Mary's hand at eve was
spread.
Sleep, baby, sleep!
At midnight came the shepherds,
they
Whom seraphs wakened by the
way.
Sleep, baby, sleep!
And three kings from the East
afar,
Ere dawn came, guided by the
star.
Sleep, baby, sleep!
They brought Thee gifts of gold
and gems,
Pure orient pearls, rich diadems.
Sleep, baby, sleep!
Thou who liest slumbering there,
Art King of Kings, earth, ocean,
air.
Sleep, baby, sleep!
Sleep, baby, sleep! The shepherds
sing:
Through heaven, through earth,
hosannas ring.
Sleep, baby, sleep!
poem by Akingbehin Daniel Murphy
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
What Child Is This?
(William C. Dix/16th Century English Melody)
What child is this who lay to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, Haste, to bring him laud
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh
Come peasant, king to own Him
The King of Kings salvation brings
Let loving enthrone Him
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, Haste, to bring him laud
The Babe, the Son of Mary
The Babe, the Son of Mary
song performed by by Jo Dee Messina
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
The First Noel
Chorus:
The first noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winters night that was so deep.
Noel, noel, noel, noel
Born is the king of israel
Verse1:
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east, beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night
Noel, noel, noel, noel
Born is the king of israel
(the following 4 verses are not sung on the boney m version)
And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
(chorus)
This star drew nigh to the northwest,
Oer bethlehem it took it rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where jesus lay.
(chorus)
Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frakincense.
(chorus)
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly lord;
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.
(chorus)
The first noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winters night that was so deep.
Noel, noel, noel, noel
Born is the king of israel
song performed by by Boney M.
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
What Child Is This
(Traditional)
What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, come peasant, king to own Him,
The King of kings, salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high, the Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
song performed by by John Denver
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
A Star From The East
a star from the east
three kings
wise, and giving,
the shepherds
and their sheep
dry grass in the
manger
a bright star
shining to the face
of a baby
our world pays homage
to the humility of
God.
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
The Spirit Of Christmas
The star of Bethlehem was shining
Across a Palestinian sky
The Church of the Nativity was crying
And we looked on, who can tell me why?
Where are the wise men when they're wanted?
Nowhere to be seen, like thieves in the night
The desert is drifting every closer
The world won't sleep well tonight
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
Lost in the desert or covered in snow
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
If you can find it, please let me know
The shepherds are in the fields sleeping
Waiting for a sign to light up the sky
Heaven is moving ever closer
The promise of a child born on high
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
Lost in the desert or covered in snow
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
If you can find it, please let me know
Looking for an answer that escapes me (Love set me free!)
If there is a reason let me know (Whoa!)
Drifting slow through time and space not knowing where we are
How did we ever get this far?
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
Lost in the desert or covered in snow
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
If you can find it, please let me know
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
Lost in the desert or covered in snow
Where did the spirit of Christmas go?
If you can find it, please let me know
song performed by by Moody Blues
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Hymn 4 part 1
The nativity of Christ.
Luke 2:10ff
"Shepherds, rejoice! lift up your eyes,
And send your fears away;
News from the regions of the skies,
Salvation's born to-day.
"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 heav'nly 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 our 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 Savior born.
poem by Isaac Watts
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
What Child Is This
What child is this who laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthem sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping
This is Christ the Lord
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary
Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding
Good Christian fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading
This is Christ the Lord
Whom shepards guard and angels sing
Haste,haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrh
Come peasant king to own Him
The King of Kings, salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
This is Christ the Lord
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary
song performed by by Jessica Simpson
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: God's Warning to Shepherds!
‘My sheep lie scattered and not tended well.
I'll find new shepherds who will do this job;
To ones who failed their duty, ‘twill be hell;
From me, my sheep, no one can ever rob! '
‘Disaster to shepherds who don't take care
Of my loved sheep, who leave my pastures green;
I'll get new shepherds, fearless and will dare,
Preventing sheep, from getting lost from scene! '
‘In prophets, priests, now Godlessness prevails;
They do not preach to people what's God-say;
They tell own versions and their made-up tales,
Deluding people, leading sheep astray! '
‘So, prophesy what comes from Yahweh's mouth.'
The Lord declares, ‘Just speak the Gospel's truth! '
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Sonnet: The Flocks Need More Shepherds
Shepherds are turning scarcer, day by day!
Fragmented flocks have lesser sheep in fold;
With many lost, many sheep go astray;
Devils on rampage trouble, young and old.
Meadows have lesser grass that's succulent;
More sheep want better grass, water to drink;
The climes these days are turning turbulent;
The few shepherds are old-aged, on death's brink!
Shepherdless stay some flocks for many days;
They do not know the shepherd or his call!
The shepherd does not know his sheep by face;
From wolves' attack, there is no staff to stall!
Yet, God will find the shepherds in strange ways;
All righteous find their way through earthly maze!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 15-07-12
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
What Child Is This
What child is this who laid to rest
On marys lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping
Chorus:
This, this is christ the king
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of mary
Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and cattle are feeding
Good christian fear for sinners here
The silent world is pleading
Repeat chorus:
So bring him incense gold and myrrh
Come peasant king to own him
The king of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone him
Repeat chorus:
song performed by by Garth Brooks
Submitted by Lucian Velea
Vote! | Copy!
Christmas 2007 Song – 6
God Father had his only Son,
By Holy Spirit’s pow’r be born
Of Virgin Mary Mother blest,
In Bethlehem’s manger in West.
The Son of God had not ev’n place,
For being born on earth’s vast face;
His humble birth reminds mankind
That poverty, Jesus didn’t mind.
And yet, it was a special day,
As Bethlehem’s Star showed the way
To shepherds sitting ‘round a fire,
By message-song from Angels’ lyre!
The frightened shepherds rushed to see
‘Emmanuel’ new-born male baby;
The King of kings and Lord of lords
Was born as per the Scripture’s words.
And thus, there dawned both joy and peace
As God had sent His Son sans fees,
As Saviour of humanity,
And granted all Eternity!
Oh, what a wonderful gift, God
Of love, mercy and fairest rod!
Now sinners too can gain heaven,
When all their sins are forgiven!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 12-22-2007
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!
Alciphron and Leucippe
An ancient chestnut’s blossoms threw
Their heavy odour over two:
Leucippe, it is said, was one;
The other, then, was Alciphron.
‘Come, come! why should we stand beneath?’
This hollow tree’s unwholesome breath?’
Said Alciphron, ‘here’s not a blade
Of grass or moss, and scanty shade.
Come; it is just the hour to rove
In the lone dingle shepherds love;
There, straight and tall, the hazel twig
Divides the crookàed rock-held fig,
O’er the blue pebbles where the rill
In winter runs and may run still.
Come then, while fresh and calm the air,
And while the shepherds are not there.’
Leucippe. But I would rather go when they
Sit round about and sing and play.
Then why so hurry me? for you
Like play and song, and shepherds too.
Alciphron. I like the shepherds very well,
And song and play, as you can tell.
But there is play, I sadly fear,
And song I would not have you hear.
Leucippe. What can it be? What can it be?
Alciphron. To you may none of them repeat
The play that you have play’d with me,
The song that made your bosom beat.
Leucippe. Don’t keep your arm about my waist.
Alciphron. Might you not stumble?
Leucippe. Well then, do.
But why are we in all this haste?
Alciphron. To sing.
Leucippe. Alas! and not play too?
poem by Walter Savage Landor
Submitted by Poetry Lover
Vote! | Copy!