How peaceful we felt that night
On the hills near Bethlehem town.
Our sheep were safely resting,
Clustered serenely around.
The stars so high above us
Seemed radiant with their light,
As we kept our normal vigil
On that quiet, chilly night.
But the calm was quickly broken
When we heard a shepherd cry:
“Do you see that gleaming light
Shining yonder in the sky?”
We all felt very frightened
As we took in that strange view.
Then we saw it was an angel,
Coming down to bring us news.
He told us: “Don’t be fearful,
For I bring you words of joy:
A child has just been born—
He’s a very special boy!”
So important was his message—
For all people it was meant:
God’s Son had come to earth—
The promised Messiah was now sent!
Next the angel shared a clue
So we could find the Babe:
He’d be wrapped in strips of cloth,
And in a manger laid.
Then countless angels joined to say:
“Peace on earth! To God be praise!”
The sight was so astonishing,
It snatched our breath away!
We decided to go promptly
Into Bethlehem that night;
For we couldn’t wait ‘till morning
To behold this joyous sight!
We found our blessed Savior
Just as the angel said—
There with His humble parents,
Laid in His manger bed.