16. I heard and my heart pounded,
my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs
trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on
the nation invading us.
17. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there
are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
18. yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet
of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music.
On my stringed instruments.
8. And there were shepherds
living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone
around them, and they were terrified.
10. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good
news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ
the Lord.
12. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths
and lying in a manger."
13. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,
praising God and saying,
14. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom
his favor rests."
4. Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice!
5. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is
right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if
anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
9. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in
me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.