10. The Glorification of the Angels; the Adoration of the Shepherds. Lk. 2:8–20

In that region there were shepherds staying in the field, keeping watch over their flock at night. And behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were filled with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people: for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord; and this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!”

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.