1 While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
the 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 all mankind,
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,
and this shall be the sign:

4 "The heav'nly 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 to the earth be peace:
good will henceforth, from heav'n to men,
begin and never cease,
begin and never cease!"