On Judah's Plains as Shepherds Sat

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.�