⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel^(A) 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.^(B) I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior^(C) has been born to you; he is the Messiah,^(D) the Lord.^{(E) 12} This will be a sign^(F) to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Final Exhortations

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!^{(A) 5} Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.^{(B) 6} Do not be anxious about anything,^(C) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.^{(D) 7} And the peace of God,^(E) which transcends all understanding,^(F) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.