As Shepherds Kept Their Lonely Vigil
This choral is used as part of two different cantatas–“Silent Night” and “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee”.
The only parts that are written for this song are the piano and voices — I don’t have other instrument parts for it. The guitarist in the video below was playing from the scores available here.
(Adoration of the Shepherds)
Gerard von Honthorst 1622
Sheet Music Downloads
Spotify, Soundcloud (inc. free downloads)
As Shepherds Kept Their Lonely Vigil (feat. Heather Prusse)
As Shepherds Kept Their Lonely Vigil (Accompaniment Track)
As Shepherds Kept Their Lonely Vigil (Piano Track)
Soundcloud:
Click the 
to download the free track for personal use.
Recording featuring vocals by Heather Prusse:
Accompaniment track:
Piano track:
Apple Music, Amazon
These files may be copied/shared in any quantity in any physical format unless otherwise noted. They may not be re-sold or offered for download.
Apple Music: As Shepherds Kept Their Lonely Vigil (feat. Heather Prusse)
Apple Music: As Shepherds Kept Their Lonely Vigil (Accompaniment Track)
Apple Music: As Shepherds Kept Their Lonely Vigil (Piano Track)
Amazon: As Shepherds Kept Their Lonely Vigil (feat. Heather Prusse)
Amazon: As Shepherds Kept Their Lonely Vigil (Accompaniment Track)
Amazon: As Shepherds Kept Their Lonely Vigil (Piano Track)
YouTube
(Video provided to YouTube by outside parties may contain ads that may be skipped after a few seconds.)
As shepherds kept their lonely vigil, in the fields abiding
A multitude of heaven’s host brought long-awaited tidings:
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Peace on earth, good will to men!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Christ is born, born in Bethlehem.
Fear ye not the angel said, let not your hearts be troubled
But get ye up to Bethlehem to seek a lowly stable
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Peace on earth, good will to men!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Christ is born, born in Bethlehem.
Ye shall find the holy infant lying in a manger
Come see and know and testify, this child shall be our Savior
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Peace on earth, good will to men!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Christ is born, born in Bethlehem.
Tell the wond’rous news abroad ’til all the world rejoices
‘Til ev’ry tongue shall sing is praise and join with angel voices
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Peace on earth, good will to men!
Gloria in excelsis deo!
Christ is born, born in Bethlehem.
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15 Comments
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Sally, thank you for writing this lovely cantata. It’s perfect got our small chili or and will be well-received by our shrinking congregation. God bless you and your endeavors.
Could I have information regarding the guitar version as well? We are most likely too late, but it’s so beautiful I’d like to give it a shot! Thank you!
Sally, I too would LOVE the violin part if there is one?
Oh how wonderful it would (will?) be to find new hymns written or arranged by you, Mack Wilberg, and Michael Moody in our ‘future’ new hymn book!
I am also interested in the guitar accompaniment. Do you have a copy that you could send me? Doing this for a High School Christmas Concert this year and we are not using piano.
Our ward choir is doing the whole thing and it is just so gorgeous!! Thank you so much for being so willing to share your talents and gifts with the world!!! You are SO talented!!!
I am using this song for the second year. However, I have misplaced the violin/flute part. In this version, I do not see it. Would you be able to pass that along? Thank you!
Hmmm… I didn’t think I’d ever done an obbligato for this one. ?
Do you have the guitar version of the accompaniment (as heard on the recording) written down? We’d like to do this song for our upcoming Dec. 10th Stake Christmas Sing-Along, where a 3-ward choir would be singing it, but we’d like to have the guitar play the accompaniment rather than piano, and need it in writing, per our guitarist’s request. Any chance we could get this right away?
I am also very interested in the guitar version of this song. Is it available? It is beautiful!
Have you ever written this for men voices? It would be lovely!
Thank you for sharing this! I hadn’t heard it until our tiny YSA choir sang it at church Sunday. The words and music are amazing. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Isn’t there an SSA version of this number? If so, can you link me to it? I thought there was one before, but don’t see it now.
I’d also like a copy of the SSA or SA version of this song!
I love you Sally DeFord!!! You have the most beautiful music and its so fun to master. My pianist needs the challenge!! Thanks a bunch.