While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Words: Nahum Tate (1652-1715)
Music: George Frederick Handel (1685-1759)

Considered to be one of the best poets of his time, Nahum Tate was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1652, the son of an Irish clergyman. Even though Nahum Tate was Poet Laureate 28 of England during the reigns of William and Mary, Queen Anne, and George I, his loose living as a drunkard and a spendthrift eventually led to his downfall, and he died in 1715 at a debtor's refuge in Southwark, London. His literary works, which were mainly stage plays, are now forgotten, except for his inspiring carol, "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night," which was set to a melody written by George F. Handel, and ranks as one of our most popular Christmas carols.

Handel, one of the most outstanding composers of all time, was born in Halle, Germany. After 1713 he made his home in England, and became a naturalized English citizen in 1727. He is best known for his famous oratorio, "The Messiah," composed in 1741, which was completed in just 24 days.

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 Savior 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.”

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 on the earth be peace.
Goodwill henceforth from heav’n to men
Begin and never cease.”