While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - Traditional

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around,
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 and all mankind.

'To you in David's town this day
Is born of David's line
A Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign,
And this shall be the sign:

'The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid,
And in a manger laid.'

Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God on high,
Who thus addressed their song,
Who thus addressed their song:

'All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease,
Begin and never cease!'

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks lyrics were among the first carols officially permitted by the Church of England providing a scripturally based alternative to popular folk carols. The song While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks captures the initial fear of the shepherds followed by the glad tidings of great joy announced by the angel. It emphasizes that the Savior is to you and all mankind and concludes with the angelic chorus of praise. By singing these lyrics congregations ground their Christmas celebration in the biblical text reliving the moment when the heavens opened to reveal the humble and glorious birth of the Lord of all.