While shepherds watched their flocks by night

While Shepherds watch 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

The 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 forth-with

Appeared a shinning thong

Of Angles praising God who thus

Addressed their joyful song

“All glory be to God on high

And on the earth be peace

Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men

Begin and never cease”