1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
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.
3 "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:
4 "The heavenly babe, you there shall find
"To human view displayed,
"All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
"And in a manger laid."
5 "All glory be to God on high,
"And to the earth be peace;
"Goodwill, henceforth from heaven to men
"Begin and never cease."
