1 While shepherds watched 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 mind;
“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 Savior, who is Christ the Lord;
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.”

5 The angel spoke, and suddenly
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who now
Begin their joyful song:

6 “All glory be to God on high
And on the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heav’n to all
Begin and never cease.”