Luke 2:8–14

Learn how the shepherds heard of Christ’s birth.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Shepherds

These were more than just simple shepherds; according to the prophet Alma, they were “just and holy men” (Alma 13:26).

Glory of the Lord

This phrase appears frequently in the scriptures and often refers to an “outward and visible manifestation of the Divine presence” (Bible Dictionary, “Glory of the Lord”).

Good tidings

The Greek root for this phrase is the same as the one for gospel, which means “good news,” specifically the news that Christ has come to earth as the Savior of the world.

Christ the Lord

“Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”

“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Ensign, Apr. 2000, 3.

Swaddling clothes

Narrow strips of cloth wrapped around a baby to restrict movement.

Manger

An open box in which feed is placed for cattle to eat.

Glory to God

At the birth of Jesus Christ, a multitude of angels praised God for the gift of His Son. How can you show thanks to Heavenly Father for the Savior? Here are just a few ideas:

Thank Heavenly Father in your prayers, both in public and in private.
Bear testimony of Christ in your home, in testimony meetings, and at other times when prompted by the Spirit.
Follow Christ’s example by serving others.
Record your spiritual experiences and write about your feelings regarding Christ in your journal.
Share Christ’s gospel with others.
Sing or play the hymns about Christ and try to feel and express their true meaning.

Shepherds Seeing the Star, by Minerva Teichert