




      While Shepherds Watched
           Handel, 1742







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 minds),
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring 
   to you and humankind.”





“To you in David's town this day 
   is born of David's line
A 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.”





Thus spake the Seraph and forthwith 
   appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God who thus 
   addressed their joyful song:
“All glory be to God on high 
   and to the earth be peace.
Goodwill, hence forth from heaven to earth, 
   begin and never cease.”




