While shepherds watched 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
 a 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 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
 good will henceforth from heaven to men
 begin and never cease’