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 heav'nly 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, who thus
Addressed their joyful song,
Addressed their joyful song:
6 ""All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace:
Good will henceforth, from heav'n to men,
Begin and never cease,
Begin and never cease!""
