A shepherd band their flocks are keeping, And gentle lambs are sweetly sleeping; When suddenly they all behold An angel in bright robes, with harp of gold. Glad tidings of great joy he bringeth, The azure vault with anthems ringeth; Immanuel awakes the song, And countless hosts the glorious theme prolong. ?To you, this day, is born a Savior, Your Prophet, Priest and King forever; All glory be to God,? they cry; ?All glory be to God,? let earth reply. ?On earth be peace with mercy blending, Goodwill to men, and love unending?; Thus sweetly sing the angel throng, And all the heav'nly host rehearse the song. Through field and wood the song resoundeth, O'er hill and vale the chorus boundeth; Exultingly the echoes roll, And hymns of triumph spread from pole to pole. The shepherds view the host returning, Their hearts with holy ardor burning; To Bethlehem they wend their way, Repeating with glad tongues th'angelic lay. In haste they seek the heav'nly Stranger; They find the Babe laid in a manger; With wonder and with awe they fall, And joyfully adore Him, Lord of all. Now every voice with rapture swelleth, For Christ the Lord with mortals dwelleth; Let men and angels Him adore, And shout their loud hosannas evermore.