While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (Enquanto os Pastores guardavam os seus rebanhos)

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," he said,
For mighty dread
Had seized their troubled minds
"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
The Savior who is Christ the Lord
And this shall be the sign."


"The heavenly Babe
You there shall find
To human view displayed
And meanly wrapped
In swathing 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 to the earth be peace;
Goodwill henceforth
From heaven to men
Begin and never cease!"