While Shepherds Watched

While Shepherds Watched

1
While shepherds watched
their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around.

2
Fear not' said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.

3
To you in David's town this day
Is born of David's line
A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign.

4
The heavenly babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swaddling bands,
And in a manger laid.

5
Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song:

6
All glory be to God on high
And on the earth be peace;
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease.'