2 ⁸ Now in this same district there were shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch through the night over their flock, 2 ⁹ when suddenly there stood before them an angel of the Lord, and the splendour of the Lord shone round them. 2 ¹⁰ They were terror-stricken, but the angel said, 'Do not be afraid; I have good news for you: there is great joy coming to the whole people. 2 ¹¹ Today in the city of David a deliverer has been born to you?the Messiah, the Lord. Some witnesses read: to you—the Lord's Messiah. 2 ¹² And this is your sign: you will find a baby lying lying wrapped in his swaddling clothes, in a manger.' 2 ¹³ All at once there was with the angel a great company of the heavenly host, singing the praises of God:

2 ¹⁵ After the angels had left them and gone into heaven the shepherds said to one another, 'Come, we must go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.' 2 ¹⁶ So they went with all speed and found their way to Mary and Joseph; and the baby was lying in the manger. 2 ¹⁷ When they saw him, they recounted what they had been told about this child; 2 ¹⁸ and all who heard were astonished at what the shepherds said. 2 ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered over them. 2 ²⁰ Meanwhile the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for what they had heard and seen; it had all happened as they had been told.

2 ²¹ Eight days later the time came to circumcise him, and he was given the name Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived.