What about the Shepherds

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12
I wonder what those shepherds thought on that night as they tended to their sheep when the angels appeared and announced our Lords birth
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 all of humankind,

to all of humankind."



"To you, in David's town, this day

is born of David's line

a Savior, who is Christ the Lord,

and this shall be the sign,

and this shall be the sign:"



"The heavenly 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 on high,

who thus addressed their song,

who thus addressed their song:



"All glory be to God on high,

and to the earth be peace;

good will henceforth from heaven to earth

begin and never cease,

begin and never cease!"



Nahum Tate

post shared @ Internet Cafe