1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground.
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around,
And glory shone around.
2 "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.
3 "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,
And this shall be the sign:
4 "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."
5 Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels, praising God on high,
Who thus addressed their song,
Who thus addressed their song.
6 "All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace:
Good will henceforth from heaven to men,
Begin and never cease!
Begin and never cease!"
AMEN.