78. While shepherds watched their flocks
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 Saviour, who is Christ the Lord; And this shall be the sign.
4 “The heavenly 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 forth with, Appeared a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, who thus Addressed their joyful song.
6 “All glory be to God on high, And on the earth be peace;
Good-will henceforth from heaven to men, Begin and never cease.”