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 davids town this day is born of davids 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 swaddling bands and in a manger laid  thus spake the seraph and forthwith appeared a shining throng of angels praising god who thus addressed their joyful song   all glory be to god on high and on the earth be peace goodwill henceforth from heaven to men begin and never cease 