On Judah�s plains as shepherds
sat,
Watching their flocks by night,
The angel of the Lord appeared,
Clad in celestial light.
Awe
struck the vision they regard,
Appalled with trembling fear;
When thus a cherub voice divine
Breathed sweetly on their ear.
�Shepherds of Judah! cease
your fears,
And calm your troubled mind;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.
�This day almighty Love
fulfills
Its great eternal Word;
This day is born in Bethlehem
A Savior, Christ the Lord.
�There shall you find the
heavenly Babe
In humblest weeds arrayed;
All meanly wrapped in swaddling
clothes
And in a manger laid.�
He ceased, and sudden all
around
Appeared a radiant throng
Of angels, praising God, and thus
Warbling their choral song.
�Glory to God, from Whom on
high
All gracious mercies flow!
Who sends His Heav�n descended
Peace
To dwell with man below.�
