To the tune of "I Saw Three Ships"

“I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In” is pretty much a nonsense hymn as far as Bible-believing Christians go, but it is a catchy tune and easy to sing. I decided to change the words to a more strict re-telling of the Shepherds/Angels story. I also changed the format a bit, by varying lines 1 and 3 in each stanza instead of repeating lines 1 & 3 as in the original. I made no real attempt to make lines 1 & 3 rhyme, but a few of the couplets do rhyme, more by accident than by intent.

I Talked With Shepherds

I talked with shepherds in the fields
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
They told me news, such glorious news,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And so on, with the following lines substituted into lines 1 & 3:

The shepherds spoke of tending flocks,
When suddenly an angel came.

A glorious light shone all around,
The sight struck fear into their hearts.

The angel said, “No need to fear,”
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring.”

“These tidings are to all mankind,”
“In David’s city, joy this day.”

“To you is born this bless-ed day,”
“A Saviour who is Christ, the Lord.”

The angel said, “Here is a sign,”
“A sign to guide you to the child.”

“He’s in a most unlikely place,”
“You’ll find Him in a cattle stall.”

“You’ll find Him wrapped in swaddling clothes,”
“You’ll find Him in a manger laid.”

The angel paused a moment then,
And as he paused, the sky grew bright.

They saw a host of angels white,
And heard the sound of angels’ praise.

The host was shouting praise to God,
“All glory be to God on high.”

“And peace on earth, and peace to men,”
“And peace to all, good will toward men.”

And as the angels left their view,
The shepherds went to find the babe.

They found Him as the angel said,
A-cradled in the lowly bed.

They told the news of Jesus’ birth,
Told all they met, told all they knew.

And they told me of peace, good will,
Now I must go and find Him, too.

Original lyrics by Steve Stratford, 12/28/06