While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks | Nahum Tate

1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
   All seated on the ground,
   The angel of the Lord came down,
   And glory shone around.
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.
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:
4. “The heav’nly Babe you there shall find
   To human view displayed,
   All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
   And in a manger laid.”
5. Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
   Appeared a shining throng
   Of angels praising God on high,
   Who thus addressed their song:
6. “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!”