You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

Hearken ye children while shepherds

Hearken ye children while shepherds

Author: Anna F. Burnham (1913)
Tune: SHEPHERD'S CAROL
Published in 4 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, Noteworthy Composer
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 Harken, ye children, while shepherd of Bethlehem sing
How in a manger we found him, Bethlehem’s King!
Unto us shepherds the angels stooped to tell
Bethlehem’s story and all that there befell.

2 How did we know him? the sign was the sign of the child
Laid in a manger, a fair Babe, undefiled,
Little Child Jesus is Lord of children dear;
Trust him, sweet children, who was a Baby here.

3 Why did we hasten? O who may keep waiting the King?
Angles on bright wings came down his summons to bring!
Little Child Jesus your coming waiteth too;
Bethlehem’s King keeps an open door for you.

4 What did we find there? a Saviour for rich and for poor.
Wise men and kings come to kneel—O wide is the door!
Come, little children, we humble shepherd men
Call you to follow and find the Christ again.

Source: Worship and Song. (Rev. ed.) #81

Author: Anna F. Burnham

Also known as Anna Burnham Bryant Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Hearken ye children while shepherds
Author: Anna F. Burnham (1913)
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Media

The Cyber Hymnal #10111
  • PDF (PDF)
  • Noteworthy Composer Score (NWC)

Instances in all hymnals

Instances (1 - 4 of 4)
TextScoreAudio

The Cyber Hymnal #10111

Page Scan

Worship and Song #75

Worship and Song Edition B #ad99

TextAudioPage Scan

Worship and Song. (Rev. ed.) #81

Exclude 3 pre-1979 instances
Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.