While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

While shepherds watch’d 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 display’d,
All meanly wrapt in swathing-bands,
  And in a manger laid.’

Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
  Appear’d a shining throng
Of angels praising God, and thus
  Address’d their joyful song:—

‘All glory be to God on high,
  And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heaven to men
  Begin, and never cease!’