| 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 and all mankind.
 
 "To you, in David's town, this day
 Is born of David's line
 A Savior, 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 swaddling bands,
 And in a manger laid."
 
 Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
 Appeared a shining throng
 Of angels praising God, who thus
 Addressed the 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.
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