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’n-ly 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 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 heav’n to men
Begin and never cease,
Begin and never cease!”
