1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
the messenger of God came down,
and glory shone around,
and glory shone around.

2 "Fear not," the angel said--for dread
had seized their troubled mind,
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
to all of humankind,
to all of 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 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 on the earth be peace;
good will henceforth from heaven to earth
begin and never cease,
begin and never cease."