While Shepherds Watched

While shepherds watched
 Their flocks by night
 All seated on the ground
 The angel of the Lord came down
 And glory shone around
 And glory shone around
 "Fear not," he said,
 For mighty dread
 Had seized their troubled minds
 "Glad tidings of great joy I bring
 To you and all mankind,
 To you and all mankind."
 "To you in David's
 Town this day
 Is born of David's line
 The Savior who is Christ the Lord
 And this shall be the sign
 And this shall be the sign."
 "The heavenly Babe
 You there shall find
 To human view displayed
 And meanly wrapped
 In swathing bands
 And in a manger laid
 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
 Addressed their joyful song
 "All glory be to
 God on high
 And to the earth be peace;
 Goodwill henceforth
 From heaven to men
 Begin and never cease
 Begin and never cease!"