Poetry Archives

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 David’s town, this day
  Is born, of David’s line,
The 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, and thus
  Addressed their joyful song:

“All glory be to God on high,
  And to the earth be peace:
Good-will henceforth from heaven to men
  Begin and never cease!”