A Giotto angel…one of his wondrous, birdlike creatures. Maybe this is how people saw them in the early 14th century ?

Giotto ca 1305; from the Dream of Joachim, Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel, Padua, Italy

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your gladsome strains prolong?
Say what may the tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Refrain

Come to Bethlehem, come and see
Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Refrain