“圣经”在英美文化里相当于中国的集佛经易经四书论语李白杜甫加毛主席语录为一体的作品，影响太大，所以我认为没读过英文圣经的人对英语的理解会缺点什么。Handel的Messiah是以圣经不同章节谱写的歌曲音乐，这一段用新约路加福音描述耶稣的诞生：

Soprano Recitative—Luke 2:8

There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.

Soprano Accompagnato—Luke 2:9

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.

Soprano Recitative—Luke 2:10-11

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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

Soprano Recitative—Luke 2:13

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Chorus—Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men.

The new international version of Luke 2:8-2:14, instead of the more archaic King James Version above, reads:

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord......Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”