Shepherds, in the fields abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing,
[Chorus:]
Gloria in excelsis deo 1
Gloria in excelsis deo
Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great desire of nations,
Ye have seen His natal star;
[Chorus]
Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear:
Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:
[Chorus]