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,
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 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 highest heaven,
Begin and never cease.’