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 Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song:
6 ""All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Goodwill, henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease.""
