Lyrics

While shepherds watch’d their flocks by night,

All seated on the ground,

The angel of the Lord came down,

And glory shone a-round

“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 swathing bands,

and in a manger laid.”

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith

Appear’d a shining throng

Of angel, praising God and thus

Address’d their joyful song:

“All glory be to God on high,

And to the earth be peace;

Good-will, henceforth, from heav’n to men

Begin, and never cease.”