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.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.^{(H) 17} When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.^{(I) 20} The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God^(J) for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

John Testifies About Jesus

²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God,^(A) who takes away the sin of the world!^(B)

²⁰ Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law;^(A) rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.^(B)

Righteousness Through Faith

²¹ But now apart from the law the righteousness of God^(C) has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.^{(D) 22} This righteousness^(E) is given through faith^(F) in^[a] Jesus Christ^(G) to all who believe.^(H) There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,^(I)

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.

¹⁴ For he himself is our peace,^(A) who has made the two groups one^(B) and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,

Final Greetings

¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace^(A) himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.^(B)

²⁸ “Come to me,^(A) all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.^{(B) 29} Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,^(C) for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.^{(D) 30} For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”^(E)