{To the tune of «Ilkley Moor B’aht Hat»}
While shepherd’s watched 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 seized their troubled minds;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
For you and all mankind.
To you in David’s town this day,
Is born of David’s line;
A saviour who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign.
The Heavenly babe you there shall find,
To human view displayed;
All meanly wrapped in swaddling bands,
And in a manger laid.
Thus spake the seraph and forthwith,
Appeared a shining throng;
Of angels praising God who thus,
Addressed their joyful song.
All glory be to God on high,
And to the Earth be peace;
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men,
Begin and never cease.
