While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

While shepherds watch'd their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone all around.

“Fear not,” said he, (for mighty dread
Had seiz'd 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
The Savior who is Christ the Lord;
And this shall be the sign:

The heav'nly Babe you there shall find
To human view display'd.
All meanly wrapt in swaddling bands,
And in a Manger laid.

Thus spake the Seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining Throng
Of Angels praising God, and 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.