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.”

⁷ But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

⁸ Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God,^{(A) 9} he was chosen by lot,^(B) according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.^{(C) 10} And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.^(D)

¹¹ Then an angel^(E) of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.^{(F) 12} When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.^{(G) 13} But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid,^(H) Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.^(I)

²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

²⁹ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰ But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid,^(A) Mary; you have found favor with God.^(B)