While shepherds watch’d 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 seiz’d their troubled mind,
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appear’d a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, and thus
Address’d their joyful song:

All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Goodwill, henceforth from heav’n to men
Begin and never cease.

Recordings 1