Lyrics: Nahum Tate (1652–1715) Music: George Frederick Handel (1685–1759)

1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night,

• All seated on the ground,

• The angel of the Lord came down,

• And glory shone around.

• “Fear not,” said he, for mighty dread

• Had seized their troubled mind,

• “Glad tidings of great joy I bring

• To you and all mankind.”

2. “To you, in David’s town this day,

• Is born of David’s line

• The Savior who is Christ the Lord,

• And this shall be the sign:

• The heavenly Babe you there shall find

• To human view displayed,

• All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,

• And in a manger laid.”

3. Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith

• Appeared a shining throng

• Of angels praising God and thus

• Addressed their joyful song:

• “All glory be to God on high

• And on the earth be peace,

• Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men

• Begin and never cease.”