Shepherds play for the baby Jesus

by Alice Tegnér and translated by Mark Safstrom

Holding watch on Bethlehem’s meadow,
Shepherds by night are guarding their sheep,
Hear the harps of angels echo,
News of a child, in manger asleep,
See the light surround the stable,
Halle-lu-jah, halle-lu-jah,
Seek a gift to bring to his cradle,
Halle-lu-jah, halle-lu-jah!

Shepherds have no wealth to offer,
Halle-lu-jah, halle-lu-jah,
Save a song to bring him honor,
Halle-lu-jah, halle-lu-jah,
Now before the Lord appearing,
Halle-lu-jah, halle-lu-jah,
Play their pipes, sweet music sharing,
Praises they bring, praises they bring.

Soothing tones from pipes are blending,
Halle-lu-jah, halle-lu-jah,
Praise from shepherds’ hearts ascending,
Halle-lu-jah, halle-lu-jah,
Tender eyes from cradle peering,
Halle-lu-jah, halle-lu-jah,
Smile on Jesus’ face inspiring,
Halle-lu-jah, halle-lu-jah!