While Shepherds Watched

 

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 man-kind"

 

"To you in David's town this day

Is born of David's line

The Saviour who is Christ the Lord

And this shall me the sign

The heav'n'ly babe you there shall find

To human view displayed

All meanly wrapped in swathing bands

And in a manger laid"

 

Those 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 hence-forth from heav'n to men

Begin and never cease."