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 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 heavenly babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathingbands,
And in a manger laid.
Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, who thus
Addresses their joyful song:
All glory be to God on high,
And on the earth be peace:
Good will henceforth from heaven to man,
Begin and never cease!