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 shown around,
and glory shown around.

Verse 2

“Fear not!” said he,
for mighty dread
had seized their
troubled mind,

“Glad tidings of
great joy I bring
to all of humankind,
to all of humankind.

Verse 3

“To you, in
David’s town, this day
is born of
David’s line

a Savior, who is
Christ the Lord,
and this shall
be the sign,
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,
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,
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 earth
begin and never cease,
begin and never cease!”