And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”

You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,

But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.

And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.

“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.

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.

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

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 give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

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

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.