While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground;
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.
"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, in David's town this day,
Is born of David's line,
A Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord,
And this shall be the sign;--
The heavenly babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger lad."

Thus spake the seraph--and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song:--
"All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good-will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin, and never cease!"