WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCH THEIR FLOCKS BY NIGHT

Trad.                                                         Nathum Tate 1652-1715 

While shepherds watched 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 Davids town this day

Is born of Davids line

A saviour, who is Christ the Lord;

And this shall be the sign:

The heavenly Babe you there shall find

To human view displayed,

All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,

And in a manger laid.

Thus spake the seraph: and forthwith

Appeared a shining throng

Of angels praising God, who thus

Addressed their joyful song:

All glory be to God on high,

And to the earth be peace;

Good-will henceforce from heaven to men

Begin and never cease.

This version from the Oxford book of Carols