1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night, All seated on the ground; The angel of the Lord came down, And glory shone around (and glory shone around). 2. "Fear not," said he, for mighty dread Had seized their troubled mind, "Glad tidings of great joy I bring, To you and all mankind (to you and all mankind)." 3. "To you in David's town this day, Is born of David's line, The Saviour, who is Christ, the Lord, And this shall be the sign (and this shall be the sign)." 4. "The heavenly babe you there shall find To human view displayed, All meanly wrapped in swathing bands, And in a manger laid (and in a manger laid)." 5. "Thus spake the seraph and forthwith Appeared a shining throng Of angels, praising God, who thus Addressed their joyful song: (addressed their joyful song)" 6. "All glory be to God on high, And to the earth be peace; Good-will henceforth from heaven to men Begin, and never cease! (begin and never cease)"
Lyrics: Nahum Tate
Music:
George Frederick Handel
Tune: CHRISTMAS
Meter: C.M. with Repeats
Nahum Tate, 1652–1715
This text was written by Nahum Tate, the son of an Irish clergyman. After education at Trinity College, Dublin, he was appointed Poet Laureate of England during the reign of William and Mary. However, his life as a drunkard and a spendthrift resulted in degradation and he died at the age of sixty-three in a debtor’s refuge in London, England.