While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
Verse 1:
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around
Verse 2:
“Fear not!” said he – for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind –
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
To you and all mankind.
Verse 3:
“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:
Verse 4:
“The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid.”
Verse 5:
Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God on high,
Who thus addressed their song:
Verse 6:
“All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heaven to men,
Begin and never cease!”