1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
an 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 humankind,
to you and humankind.

3 "To you, in David's town, this day
is born of David's line
a Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
and this shall be the sign,
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,
and in a manger laid."

5 Thus spoke the seraph and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God on high,
who thus addressed their song,
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 earth
begin and never cease,
begin and never cease!"