8 Nearby some shepherds were spending the night out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone all around them. They were scared out of their wits!
10 "Don’t be afraid!" the angel told them. "I’m here to bring you good news that will make all the people really glad. 11 The Savior has been born to you today, here in David’s city. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 You will recognize him by this sign: you will find the child wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly many heavenly beings appeared, praising God, saying,
14 "Glory to the God of heaven, and on earth peace to those who please him!"
15 After the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let’s go to Bethlehem and see what’s happened concerning these things the Lord has told us about."
16 They hurried there and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 After they’d seen for themselves, they spread the news of what had happened and what they had been told about this baby. 18 All those who heard about it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary was careful to remember all the things that had happened and often thought about them. 20 The shepherds went back to watching their flocks, glorifying and thanking God for all that they’d heard and seen, for it was just as they’d been told.