Shepherds watch, listening to lambs bleat
Tired backs, worn out and cold feet
All life long, living like outcasts
All life long, longing for life
A dazzling light the voice of an angel
Gripped with fear, terrified they fell
One like a man, yet awesome and holy
A face so fierce and yet strangely kind
"Do not be afraid, I've good news of great joy
Your Savior is come; He's Christ, the Lord
As a sign to you the One born today
Will be wrapped in rags, asleep on the hay"
And all at once the air filled with angels
Glory shone of holiness they smelled
"Glory be to God in the highest
And peace on earth to all those He loves"
"Do not be afraid, I've good news of great joy
Your Savior is come; He's Christ, the Lord
As a sign to you the one born today
Will be wrapped in rags, asleep on the hay"
"As a sign to you the One born today
Will be wrapped in rags, asleep on the hay"
Shepherd's Watch Video
Shepherd's Watch Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Shepherd’s Watch by Michael Card is a beautiful and timeless Christmas song that tells the story of the shepherds who were tending their flocks on the night of Jesus’ birth. The song is a reminder of the humble circumstances surrounding the birth of our Savior, and the profound impact that event has on our lives today.
Inspiration and Story behind Shepherd's Watch
Michael Card is a Christian musician, songwriter, and author who has been active in the Christian music industry for over 35 years. He has released over 37 albums and authored several books, including A Sacred Sorrow and The Hidden Face of God.
The inspiration behind Shepherd’s Watch came from Card’s study of the Christmas story in the Bible. He was struck by the fact that the first people to hear the news of Jesus’ birth were not the wealthy or powerful, but rather the lowly shepherds. This realization inspired him to write a song that would capture the beauty and significance of that moment in history.
Meaning of the Song
Shepherd’s Watch tells the story of the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks on the night of Jesus’ birth. As they were tending their sheep, an angel appeared to them and announced the good news of Jesus’ arrival. The song captures the awe and wonder that the shepherds must have felt as they saw and heard the angelic host proclaiming the birth of the Savior.
The lyrics of the song also highlight the humble circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth. The One who came to save the world was born in a stable and laid in a manger, wrapped in rags and sleeping on hay. This imagery reminds us that Jesus came to identify with the lowly and the outcast, and to bring hope and salvation to all people.
Bible Verses Referenced in the Song
The story of the shepherds and the announcement of Jesus’ birth is found in Luke 2:8-20. The angel’s proclamation to the shepherds is recorded in verses 10-11: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
The song also references the sign that the angel gave to the shepherds, which is found in Luke 2:12: “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Practical Application of the Song
Shepherd’s Watch is a beautiful reminder of the humble circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth and the profound impact that event has on our lives today. As we listen to this song and reflect on the story of the shepherds, we are reminded that Jesus came to identify with the lowly and the outcast, and to bring hope and salvation to all people.
One practical application of this song is to remember the importance of humility in our own lives. Just as Jesus was born in a humble manger, we are called to live lives of humility and service to others. We are called to love and care for the least of these, just as Jesus did during His time on earth.
Another application of this song is to remember the power of Jesus’ birth and the hope that it brings to our lives. In a world that can often be dark and discouraging, the fact that Jesus came to bring light and life is a message that we need to hear and share with others.
In conclusion, Shepherd’s Watch by Michael Card is a beautiful and timeless Christmas song that tells the story of the shepherds who were tending their flocks on the night of Jesus’ birth. The song is a powerful reminder of the humble circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth and the profound impact that event has on our lives today. As we reflect on this song and the story it tells, may we be inspired to live lives of humility and service, and to share the hope and joy of Jesus’ birth with those around us.
