The Shepherds’ Visit

2:8 Now23 there were shepherds24 nearby25 living out in the field, keeping guard26 over their flock at night. 2:9 An27 angel of the Lord28 appeared to29 them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified.30 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully,31 for I proclaim to you good news32 that brings great joy to all the people: 2:11 Today33 your Savior is born in the city34 of David.35 He is Christ36 the Lord. 2:12 This37 will be a sign38 for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”39 2:13 Suddenly40 a vast, heavenly army41 appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

2:14 “Glory42 to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among people43 with whom he is pleased!”44

2:15 When45 the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem46 and see this thing that has taken place, that the Lord47 has made known to us.” 2:16 So they hurried off and located Mary and Joseph, and found the baby lying in a manger.48 2:17 When49 they saw him,50 they related what they had been told51 about this child, 2:18 and all who heard it were astonished52 at what the shepherds said. 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these words, pondering in her heart what they might mean.53 2:20 So54 the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising55 God for all they had heard and seen; everything was just as they had been told.56

2:21 At57 the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given by the angel58 before he was conceived in the womb.