While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,

all seated on the ground,

an 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

a Savior, who is Christ the Lord;

and this shall be the sign:

"The heavenly babe you there shall find

to human view displayed,

all simply wrapped in swaddling clothes

and in a manger laid."

Thus spoke the angel. Suddenly

appeared a shining throng

of angels praising God, who thus

addressed their joyful song:

"All glory be to God on high,

and to the earth be peace;

to those on whom his favor rests

goodwill shall never cease."