Hymn 131: While shepherds watch’d

Verse 1

While shepherds watch’d 

their flocks by night,

All sealed on the ground,

The angel of the Lord came down,

And glory shone around.

Verse 2

Fear not! said he; for mighty dread

Has seized their troubled mind:

Glad tidings of great joy I bring 

To you and all mankind

Verse 3

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:

Verse 4

The heavenly Babe you there shall find 

To human view displayed,

All meanly wrapped in swaddling [bands

And in a manger laid

Verse 5

Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith

Appeared a shining throng 

Of angels praising God, who thus

Addressed their joyful song:

Verse 6

All glory be to God on high,

And to the earth be peace;

Goodwill henceforth from heaven 

to men

Begin and never cease!