Advent follies

[lumineaux]

I meant to start this on Friday but, well, my schedule isn't exactly concrete these days.  Anyway, I like Christmas.  I particularly like Christmas music.  So, for as many days leading up to Christmas as I can manage, I will post lyrics from the lesser-known versions of traditional Christmas carols (usually the second or third verse).  Your mission is to guess the carol the verse belongs to.  

For your first challenge:

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?

Comments

[msmemory.livejournal.com]

What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

"Angels We Have Heard on High"

(As a long-time church choir veteran, I'm going to recuse myself from most of this game. It wouldn't be fair.)

[lumineaux.livejournal.com]

Correct, by the way.