While Shepherds Watched Lyrics

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

While shepherds watch’d 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.”

“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.”

“The heav’nly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid.”


Adapted from Handel