[Footnote a: Observe how the ruler of the civilized world is unconsciously bringing it about that the Messiah, the son of David, shall be born at Bethlehem, though his mother's home was Nazareth. All the previous history of Rome and of Israel gathers about this manger. As to Quirinius, and as to the probable time of the Saviour's birth, see note 6 at the end of the book. The vindication of Luke's historical statements in these verses is one of the triumphs of modern research, as is shown in that note.] § 11. THE PRAISE OF THE ANGELS AND THE HOMAGE OF THE SHEPHERDS Near Bethlehem Luke 2:8-20 8 And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the 9 field, and keeping [1]watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round 10 about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great 11 joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is [2]Christ the 12 Lord. And this _is_ the sign unto you; Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. And suddenly 13 there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising[a] God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth [3]peace among [4]men in whom he is well pleased. 15 And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this [5]thing that is come to pass, which the 16 Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found 17 both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was 18 spoken to them about this child. And all that heard it wondered at 19 the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds. But Mary 20 kept all these [6]sayings, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them. [Footnote 1: Or, _night-watches_.] [Footnote 2: Or, _Anointed Lord_.] [Footnote 3: Many ancient authorities read _peace, good pleasure among men_.] [Footnote 4: Gr. _men of good pleasure_.] [Footnote 5: Or, _saying_.] [Footnote 6: Or, _things_.] [Footnote a: The Gloria in Excelsis.] § 12. THE CIRCUMCISION OF JESUS Bethlehem Luke 2:21 21 And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him [_see Gen. 17:12; Lev. 12:3_], his name was called JESUS, which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. § 13. THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE WITH THE HOMAGE OF SIMEON AND ANNA Jerusalem Luke 2:22-38