1. While humble shepherds watched their flocks In Bethlehem’s plains by night, An angel sent from heaven appeared And filled the plains with light, ’Fear not.’ He said, for sudden dread Had seized their troubled mind; ’Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind. 2. ‘To you, in David’s town, this day, Is born, of David’s line, The Saviour, who is Christ is Lord; And this shall be the sign; ’The heavenly Babe you there shall find To human view displayed, All meanly wrapped in swaddling-bands, And in a manger laid.’ 3. 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 is shown by heaven to men, And never more shall cease.