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," he said 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 Savior who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign.

The heav'nly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swaddling bands
And in a manger laid."

Thus spoke the Seraph, and forth with
Appeared a shining throng
Of Angels praising God who thus
Addressed their joyful song.

All glory be to God on high,
And on the earth be peace,
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men.
Begin and never cease.