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
The Saviour, 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 clothes,
And in a manger laid"

The angel spoke, and suddenly
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who now
Begin their joyful song:

"All glory be to God on high
And on the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heav'n to all
Begin and never cease."