Good News of Great Joy
Virgin and Child, c. 1600
Workshop of Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, Siegen 1577–1640 Antwerp)
Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
And she gave birth to her firstborn son;
and she wrapped Him in cloths,
and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
In the same region there were some shepherds
staying out in the fields
and keeping watch over their flock by night.
And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them;
and they were terribly frightened.
But the angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid; for 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 Savior,
who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:7-11