While shepherds watch'd 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 heavenly 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 Angels, 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 Heaven to men

Begin, and never cease!'