"This is my version of “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks at Night” with a number of text changes as well as all new music. This piece is dancelike, contrapuntal, with many meter changes and fun modal harmonies. I meant to capture the magic of the phrase “Then I was glad for the morning of the Lord.” The first version of this was written for a children’s opera I was working on in 2002 and included a chamber orchestra. This new version is for a more advanced acappella choir.” ~ M Ryan Taylor

The Text:
While by my sheep I watched at night
an angel brought this message bright;
Said he, “A little child is born
and laid within an ox’s stall
at Bethlehem this very morn
to lift us up from Adam’s fall.”

Then I was glad, glad for the morning of the Lord!

When I came to the manger bare,
well found I could not go from there
He looked upon my careworn face,
and and humbly I did kiss his feet;
my heart let loose to his embrace,
my mouth became forever sweet.

Then I was glad, glad for the morning of the Lord!