While Shepherds Watched their Flocks

Verse 1

While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, an 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 a 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 simply wrapped in swaddling clothes and in a manger laid."

Verse 5

Thus spoke the angel. Suddenly appeared a shining throng of angels praising God, who thus addressed their joyful song:

Verse 6

"All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; to those on whom his favor rests goodwill shall never cease."