Whilst Shepherds Watch'd

Whilst 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.
  To you in David's town this day
  Is born of David's line
  A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord;
  And this shall be the sign.
  The heavenly Babe you there shall find,
  To human view display'd,
  All meanly wrapt in swaddling bands
  And in a manger laid.
  Thus spake the Seraph, and forthwith
  Appeared a heavenly throng
  Of Angels praising God, and thus
    Address'd their joyful song:
  All glory be to God on high,
    And to the earth be peace,
  Good-will henceforth from Heav'n to men
  Begin and never cease.
          Hallelujah.