While humble shepherds watched their flocks

in Bethleh'm's plains by night,

An angel sent from heav'n appeared,

and filled the plains with light.

Fear not, he said, (for sudden 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 heav'nly Babe you there shall find

to human view displayed,

All meanly wrapt in swaddling-bands,

and in a manger laid.

Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith

appeared a shining throng

Of angels, praising God; and thus

addressed their joyful song:

All glory be to God on high,

and to the earth be peace;

Good-will is shown by Heav'n to men,

and never more shall cease.