While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Verse 1

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.

Verse 2

"Fear not!" said he for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind;
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
To you and all mankind.

Verse 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:

Verse 4

"The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid."

Verse 5

Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God on high,
Who thus addressed their song:

Verse 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!"

Listen

An English nativity carol from the early 18th century depicting the angel's announcement to the shepherds.