While shepherds watched their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around
And glory shone around

“Fear not,” said he for mighty dread
Had seized their tired and troubled minds
“Great tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.
For to you is born this day
in David’s town of David’s line
The Saviour who is Christ the Lord
And this shall be the wondrous sign.”

“The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed
To human view displayed
All meanly wrapped in swadling bands
And in a manger laid
And in a manger laid.”

Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
Appeared a mighty shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song:

“All glory be to God, to God on high
And to the earth be peace;
And to the earth be peace;
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease
Begin and never cease!”