He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.”

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.”

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

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.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me One who will be Ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel.

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done.

I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds.

“Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; His love endures forever.” For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,’ says the Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted.”

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I want to know Christ — yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings…

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

It is good to praise the Lord and make music to Your name, O Most High.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.