1 On Judah’s plains as shepherds sat,
Watching their flocks by night,
The angel of the Lord appear'd,
Clad in celestial light.

2 Awe-struck the vision they regard,
Appall'd with trembling fear;
When thus a cherub-voice divine
Breath'd sweetly on their ear.

3 “Shepherds of Judah! cease your fears,
And calm your troubled mind;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.

4 This day almighty love fulfils
Its great eternal word;
This day is born in Bethlehem
A Savior, Christ the Lord.

5 There shall you find the heav'nly babe
In humblest weeds array'd;
All meanly wrapp'd in swaddling clothes,
And in a manger laid."

6 He ceas'd, and sudden all around
Appear'd a radiant throng
Of angels, praising God, and thus
Warbling their choral song:

7 "Glory to God, from whom on high
All-gracious mercies flow!
Who sends His heav’n-descended peace
To dwell with man below."