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 nor!” 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, The Savior 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 swathing bands, And in a manger laid.” 5 Thus spake the seraph; and forth with Appeared a shining throng Of angels praising God on high, Who thus addressed their song: 6 “All glory be to God on high, And to the earth be peace; Good will henceforth from heaven to men, Begin and never cease!”