1 While shepherds watch'd 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 minds,
"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 Saviour, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign.

4 "The heavenly Babe you there shall find,
To human view display'd,
All meanly wrapt in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid."

5 Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, who thus
Address'd their joyful 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."