These were good men, and as they watched their sheep by night, they talked together about the promised Saviour, and prayed so earnestly for His coming that God sent bright messengers from His own throne of light to teach them. "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. "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Det var gode mennesker, og medens de holdt nattevagt over deres hjord, samtalede de om den lovede frelser og bad så inderligt om hans komme, at Gud udsendte strålende sendebud fra sin herligheds trone for at undervise dem. Og en Herrens engel stod for dem, og Herrens herlighed strålede om dem, og de blev grebet af stor frygt. Men engelen sagde til dem: Frygt ikke; thi se, jeg forkynder Eder en stor glæde, som skal være for hele folket. Thi Eder er i dag en frelser født i Davids by; han er Kristus. Herren!