While shepherds watched 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

A Saviour who is Christ the Lord and this shall be the sign

The heavenly babe you there shall find to human view displayed

All meanly wrapped in swathing bands and in a manger laid"

Thus spake the seraph and forthwith appeared a shining throng

Of angels praising God who thus addressed their joyful song

"All glory be to God on high and on the earth be peace

Good will henceforth from heaven to men begin and never cease"