139

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Verse 1

Verse 1

Verse 1

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,

All seated on the ground,

The angel of the Lord came down,

And glory shone around.

Verse 2

Verse 2

Verse 2

"Fear nor!" said he- for mighty dread

Had seized their troubled mind-

"Glad tidings of great joy I bring,

To you and all mankind.

Verse 3

Verse 3

Verse 3

"To you, in David's town this day,

Is born of David's line,

The Savior who is Christ the Lord;

And this shall be the sign:

Verse 4

Verse 4

Verse 4

"The heavenly Babe you there shall find

To human view displayed,

All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,

And in a manger laid."

Verse 5

Verse 5

Verse 5

Thus spake the seraph; and forth with

Appeared a shining throng

Of angels praising God on high,

Who thus addressed their song:

Verse 6

Verse 6

Verse 6

"All glory be to God on high,

And to the earth be peace;

Good will henceforth from heaven to men,

Begin and never cease!"