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 forth-with
Appeared
a shining throng
Of
angels praising God on high,
Who
thus addressed their song:
6
“All
glory be to God on high,
And
to the earth be peace;
Good
will henceforth from heaven to men,
Begin
and never cease!”