The White Christmas and Other Merry Christmas Plays

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

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,
The Saviour, who is Christ, the Lord,
And this shall be the sign,
And this shall be the sign.”

“The heav’nly 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, who thus
Addressed their joyful song,
Addressed their joyful song:—

“All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth, from heav’n to men,
Begin and never cease,
Begin and never cease.”

The Prologue appears before the curtains and speaks.