Long Long Ago Some Shepherds – Hymn Lyric
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Long Long Ago Some Shepherds – Hymn Lyric
Long, long ago, some shepherds,
Out on Judean plains,
Heard, from within the heavens,
Sweetest of angel strains.
O shepherds, hasten onward,
Beneath the starry dome;
For lo! The promised Saviour-
The Prince of Peace is come!
O shepherds, hasten onward
And join the glorious song,
Of “Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory be to God.”
Look up, O wond’ring shepherds,
Bowed low in deep amaze;
Hear what the hosts are singing,
From out the starry ways.
Lo! ‘Tis a shining angel,
Bids you this wond’ring cease,
List to the herald’s tidings,
‘Tis of the Prince of Peace.
See! ‘Tis a flaming splendor,
Follow its guiding light,
Joyful, O shepherds, hasten,
On thro’ illumined night.
On to the Holy City,
Where in a rapture sweet,
Kneel, and with angels worship,
There at the Saviour’s feet.
Meaning of Long Long Ago Some Shepherds
Once upon a time, indeed “long, long ago,” some humble shepherds out on the windy and rocky Judean plains of Bethlehem experienced a spiritual moment that would change the course of human history. Their story has been shared around the world, resonating in the hearts of believers who find hope, joy, and optimism. The hymn “Long Long Ago Some Shepherds” is a beautiful rendition of this historical, spiritual event, bringing light to its profound narrative.
The first stanza gives us the setting: some shepherds keeping watch over their flock in the undisturbed peace and tranquillity of the Judean plains at night. Suddenly they hear something heavenly, something like never before – the sweetest of angel strains. This divine music, however, isn’t just meant for their ears but for their hearts. It’s a celestial invitation to shake them out of their routine and gesture them towards an exceptional journey.
Then comes a call to act, “O shepherds, hasten onward, beneath the starry dome; For lo! The promised Saviour- The Prince of Peace is come!” The singing angels invite the shepherds to step forward on an exceptional journey under the gleaming, starry night. A promise has been fulfilled, a prophecy has come to fruition the arrival of the Saviour, the Prince of Peace.
In the echoes of the angelic chorus, the shepherds are invited to join, to contribute their voices to the heavenly melody, “Of ‘Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory be to God.'” The choirs of angels are celebrating, their jubilant melodies coloring the night sky, inviting every heart to join in their exultant song.
As their awe intensifies, they’re directed to look up and truly behold what is happening above them. The message of the hymn continues, “Hear what the hosts are singing, From out the starry ways.” It’s a moment paused in time as they realize that this isn’t just an angelic choir, but a celestial orchestra.
The shepherds, humbled and amazed, watch a shining angel who pacifies their wonder and fear. The angelic messenger now has their undivided attention and relays the divine message: the Prince of Peace has arrived. The hymn paints a vivid image, “See! ‘Tis a flaming splendor, Follow its guiding light.” This summons to follow the divine radiance on their unfamiliar journey is a metaphor rife with spiritual wisdom.
“Joyful, O shepherds, hasten, On through the illumined night.” The journey is no longer dark and uncharted, but lit by divine intervention. They are called to rejoice, to bring their hearts to a beat of joy and impending wonder. Their earthly journey is intertwined with a heavenly one as they make their way to the foretold city.
Finally, “On to the Holy City, Where in a rapture sweet, Kneel, and with angels worship, There at the Saviour’s feet.” The hymn’s narrative now escorts us to the climax where the shepherds have their divine encounter. In Jerusalem, they fall on their knees, overwhelmed with a surreal rapture. In the company of angels, they worship at the feet of their newly born Saviour.
“Long Long Ago Some Shepherds” is not just a melodious hymn. Its a spiritual roadmap – journeying from the ordinary through extraordinary divine intervention, to an encounter that forever seals their, and our, faith. This hymn reminds us of the humility of the shepherds who first heard the good news, the majesty of the divine message, and the universal joy that the birth of the Savior brought to the world. This Christmas, as we hear the strains of “Long Long Ago Some Shepherds,” let’s take a moment to immerse ourselves in the compelling narrative of faith, hope, and divine love.
I hope this hymn inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
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