While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Lyrics

1. 1. 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.”

2. 2. “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:

   The heav’nly Babe you there shall find

   To human view displayed,

   All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,

   And in a manger laid.”

3. 3. 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.

   Goodwill henceforth from heav’n to men

   Begin and never cease.”