While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

1. 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.”

2. “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.”

3. 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.”