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 mind;
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and humankind.
"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.
"The heav'nly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swaddling clothes,
And in a manger laid."
The angel spoke, and suddenly
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who now
Begin their joyful song:
"All glory be to God on high
And on the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heav'n to all
Begin and never cease."
Text: Luke 2:8-14; Nahum Tate
Tune: Christopher Tye; George Kirby