Then he took a child and had him stand in front of them. He put his arms around him and said to them,

Then he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them, and blessed them.

Suddenly a great army of heaven's angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God:

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!"

The shepherds went back, singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen; it had been just as the angel had told them.

Mary said, "My heart praises the Lord;

At that moment Zechariah was able to speak again, and he started praising God.

"Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel! He has come to the help of his people and has set them free.

You that are righteous, be glad and rejoice because of what the LORD has done. You that obey him, shout for joy!

All you that are righteous, shout for joy for what the LORD has done; praise him, all you that obey him.

Give thanks to the LORD, proclaim his greatness; tell the nations what he has done.

Be glad that we belong to him; let all who worship him rejoice.

Praise the LORD, people of Israel; praise him, you priests of God!

Praise the LORD, you Levites; praise him, all you that worship him!