His Birth
C.M.
1
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.
2
“Fear not!” said he; for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind:
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.
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:
4
“The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swaddling bands
And in a manger laid.”
5
Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song:
6
“All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease!”
