C F C
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
C Dm G
All seated on the ground,
G C7 Dm G C
The angel of the Lord came down,
C F C
And glory shone around,
Dm C G C
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 and all mankind."
"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,
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,
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,
Addressed their joyful song:
"All glory be to God on high,
And to earth be peace:
Good will to men from highest heav'n
Begin and never cease,
Begin and never cease."
Words by Nahum Tate, 1700.
Music by George F. Handel, 1728.