To Shepherds as They Watched by Night
To shepherds as they watched by night
The hymn celebrates the incarnational mystery whereby God becomes human in Christ, announcing salvation directly to shepherds as representatives of the humble and lowly. It reflects Grundtvig's conviction that the Gospel message of God's love revealed in Jesus Christ is accessible to all people regardless of social status.
History & Background
Originally written in Danish by Grundtvig in 1817, this carol celebrates the announcement of Christ's birth to the shepherds. It was translated into English by Carl Döving in 1909 and has become a beloved Christmas hymn in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 280
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 60
- Lutheran Service Book — 373
- Lutheran Worship — 52
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 103
- With One Voice — 708
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Nikolai Grundtvig in 1817, this Danish hymn reflects his conviction that Christ's incarnation reveals God's love accessible to all people, not merely the learned or powerful. A foundation of Lutheran hymnody.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies Grundtvig's democratic theology: the incarnate Word speaks directly to shepherds as representatives of the lowly, demonstrating that the Gospel of grace pierces all human hierarchy and reaches the outcast.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From the shepherds' discovery of Christ in history to the faithful community's present confession and comfort in him
Themes
Nativity of Christ Angels and shepherds Joy and Gospel proclamation Redemption through Christ's birth