While shepherds watched

While shepherds watched 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 
a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord,
and this shall be the sign:" 

"The heavenly babe you there shall find 
to human view displayed, 
all meanly wrapped in swathing bands, 
and in a manger laid." 

Thus spake the seraph and forthwith 
appeared a shining throng 
of angels praising God, who thus 
addressed their joyful song:
 
"All glory be to God on high, 
and to the earth be peace; 
good will henceforth from heaven to men
begin and never cease!"