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
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.’

‘All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace;
goodwill henceforth from highest heaven begin and never cease!’