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 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
A Saviour, 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;
Good will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease.'
