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Christmas · Christmas Dawn · Year B

Luke 2:(1-14) 15-20

The Birth of Jesus

December 25, 2026

Adoration of the Shepherds, Georges de La Tour
Adoration of the Shepherds, Georges de La Tour, c. 1644Musée du Louvre, Paris
One candle, shielded by a hand, and five people leaning in. The shepherd has brought a lamb; the ox is painted with the same attention as the people.The shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.Georges de La TourA Lorraine painter, lost for three hundred years and rediscovered in 1915, whose night scenes are lit by a single candle.Musée du Louvre, ParisA royal palace turned public museum by the Revolution in 1793, on the principle that what the king had owned now belonged to everyone.Musée du Louvre, Paris
LSB Three-Year Lectionary
GospelLuke 2:(1-14) 15-20Lk 2:(1-14) 15-20
EpistleTitus 3:4-7Ti 3:4-7
Old TestamentIsa. 62:10-12Is 62:10-12
PsalterPs. 98Ps 98

Overview & Insights

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

With this scene, the fulfillment of the angel Gabriel’s announcements (1:11–20, 26–37) is complete. Both John and Jesus have been unexpectedly conceived, celebrated in prophetic songs, and born in remarkable circumstances. Each is already revealed as having a central role in God’s plan of salvation, but the angel’s words now emphasize that the good news is centered on the Messiah rather than on his forerunner.

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Take it further: Luke 2:(1-14) 15-20

Commentary

Enduring Word Bible Commentary Luke Chapter 2Enduring Word Bible Commentary Lk Chapter 2 Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik walks verse by verse through the census, the angels, and the shepherds of the whole nativity account.

Commentary on Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20Commentary on Lk 2:[1-7] 8-20 Working Preacher

Lutheran preaching commentary keyed to this exact Christmas Gospel reading.

Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) CommentaryLk 2:1-14 (15-20) Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Reformed preaching commentary on the shepherds and the angelic announcement.

Luke 2:16 CommentariesLk 2:16 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators (Barnes, Ellicott, Meyer) gathered on the shepherds finding the child.

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Mass at Dawn Loyola Press · Sunday Connection

Catholic Sunday Connection background and reflection questions for the dawn Mass Gospel.

Background & Word Study

Luke 2:15 Greek Text Analysis (Interlinear)Lk 2:15 Greek Text Analysis (Interlinear) BibleHub

Word by word Greek with parsing for the shepherds' verses.

Book of Luke OverviewBook of Lk Overview BibleProject

Visual overview of Luke's structure and themes that frame the birth narrative.

Luke - Enter the BibleLk - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible

Luther Seminary background on Luke's authorship, audience, and outline.

Brian Stoffregen Exegetical Notes, Luke 2Brian Stoffregen Exegetical Notes, Lk 2 Crossmarks · Brian Stoffregen

Detailed Greek exegetical notes on the Christmas Gospel.

The Church Fathers

Luke 2 - CatenaLk 2 - Catena Catena

Patristic comments from the church fathers gathered verse by verse.

Sermons & Reflections

Ox and Ass Before Him Bow Journey with Jesus

Dan Clendenin's Christmas essay on the nativity and the confession beneath the sentiment.

Art & Music

Nativity Scene (Wallraf-Richartz-Museum) Vanderbilt

Sacred nativity art from the Art in the Christian Tradition collection.

Study Hub

Christmas Eve / Christmas Day Textweek

Aggregated lectionary study, commentary, and worship links for Christmas.

Questions preachers ask

What does Luke emphasize in the birth of Jesus?

The Savior of the world is laid in a manger and announced first to shepherds; the heavenly host sings glory to God in the highest and peace on earth.

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