While shepherds watch'd 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 heav’nly Babe you there shall find

To human view display'd,

All meanly wrapp’d in swathing bands,

And in a manger laid.”

Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith

Appear’d a shining throng

Of angels, praising God, and thus

Address’d their joyful song.

All glory be to God on high,

And to the earth be peace;

Goodwill henceforth from heav'n to men

Begin, and never cease.