While shepherds watched their flocks by night
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While shepherds watched their flocks by night,All seated on the ground,The angel of the Lord came down,And glory shone around.
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"Fear not," said he,—for mighty dreadHad seized their troubled mind,—Glad tidings of great joy I bringTo you and all mankind.
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"To you, in David's town this dayIs born, of David's line,The Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;And this shall be the sign:
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"The heavenly babe you there shall findTo human view displayed,All humbly wrapped in swathing-bands,And in a manger laid."
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Thus spake the seraph; and forthwithAppeared a shining throngOf angels, praising God on high,Who thus addressed their song:
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"All glory be to God on high,And to the earth be peace;Good-will henceforth from heaven to men,Begin and never cease."