Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All

December 25, 2009

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It’s the greatest story we have ever reported here on NorthEscambia.com, and it is the greatest story that we will ever report. It’s a story that happened over 2,000 years ago today, but it is also a story that impacts each of our lives each and every day here in North Escambia.

Our lead story today is one that was first delivered by an angelic choir. It was the news that  changed the world…a Savior had been born in a little town called Bethlehem. It was a humble scene. A little baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

It was the world’s first ever Christmas gift on that very first Christmas morning, the gift of a Savior so that we might all have eternal life.

It’s good news for all of us on this Christmas. Good news that Emmanuel, the Lord Jesus, was born. It’s story that was reported by Luke in the New Testament. It’s reprinted below for you to read, and for you to share the Good News with someone you care about this Christmas.

From our NorthEscambia.com family to you and yours, Merry Christmas!

  1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
  2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
  3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
  4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
  5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
  6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
  7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
  8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
  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.
  10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
  11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
  12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
  13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
  14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
  15. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
  16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
  17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
  18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
  19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
  20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Comments

29 Responses to “Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All”

  1. Dianne Parker on December 30th, 2009 9:10 pm

    Great going. I love the way you presented the Gospel as news covereage. After all it not only is news but, the greatest news we will ever be exposed to. Thanks for exposing all your readers to this wonderful message.

  2. FSU FAN on December 27th, 2009 12:11 pm

    Simply Wonderful – thank you and Merry
    CHRISTmas and Happy New Year to all!

  3. MBH on December 27th, 2009 12:12 am

    Thank you, William, for our (those of us who live in the north end) beautiful Christmas card!
    We appreciate having this website and you do a great job of keeping us informed about whats happening up here. Thank you for this service.
    Have a blessed year!

  4. Jackie Johnson on December 26th, 2009 8:43 pm

    Thank you William for the Christmas Story. Happy New Year to all of your family.

  5. Deni on December 26th, 2009 2:45 pm

    Great article!! Hope everyone had a wonderful CHRISTmas. Happy New Year to come.

  6. Angi on December 26th, 2009 11:16 am

    Thanks for the story willaim, hope everyone had a wonderful & safe christmas and Happy New Year to all…

  7. JUDY C. MASEK on December 26th, 2009 8:02 am

    WONDERFUL article..wouldnt be Christmas without it!..thanks, william :)

  8. Beverly on December 26th, 2009 5:23 am

    Just got the article. Thank you very much William for printing this. Even I had lost the true meaning of Christmas, but not anymore! Happy Holidays to all!

  9. EMD on December 26th, 2009 12:22 am

    How refreshing!

    I’ve been writing most of today, and almost missed this.

    I too, want to thank you.

  10. Paul Lewis on December 25th, 2009 8:21 pm

    I know that Jesus is certainly the reason for the season. But I hope none out there think that it is and has to be December 25th. God Bless you all. Merry CHRISTmas.

  11. Mary Gulsby on December 25th, 2009 8:05 pm

    Thank you for printing the greatest story of all. America needs to remember the true meaning of Christmas, then our country would become a better place.

  12. mspence on December 25th, 2009 5:49 pm

    Thank for reporting the greatest story. It is beautiful. The real reason for Christmas! Merry Christmas to all….

  13. Lisa Thompson on December 25th, 2009 5:47 pm

    From the eagles to Lulu to “the Story of Christmas.” This website never lets my husband and I down for a great news article from the surrounding area. Thanks William…you are to be commended in all that you do and we appreciate your reporting to us and others. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!!!

  14. Gerri on December 25th, 2009 5:37 pm

    I’m most thankful that I live in an area where people are not afraid or ashamed to let others know about the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Thank you William for standing up and speaking out…even when some consider it politically incorrect. There are not many left in the business of reporting the news that will speak out about our Greatest Gift of All.

  15. Debbie on December 25th, 2009 5:21 pm

    Thank you Lord for my salvation and thank you northescambia.com for the great job.

  16. interested reader on December 25th, 2009 5:04 pm

    MERRY CHRISTMAS AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN THE COMING YEAR FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS TO LET US KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE NORTH END. THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL IS A REAL MIRACLE THAT EVERYONE CAN SHARE. THANKS WILLIAM!

  17. Kevin Stott on December 25th, 2009 2:36 pm

    Thank you for reporting the true meaning of Christmas. I am a pastor getting ready to move to your area and I am encouraged by the face that you there are folks willing to stand up for the Lord. We look forward to becoming a part of your community.

  18. Florida Girl on December 25th, 2009 11:39 am

    Praise God! A newspaper not ashamed of the Truth, the Way, and the Life! Thank you!

  19. Sandra on December 25th, 2009 10:44 am

    Merry Christmas to Everyone! Many Blessings in the coming year!

  20. Kevin on December 25th, 2009 10:34 am

    Merry Christmas to everyone. Thanks for the nice story.

  21. Faith on December 25th, 2009 9:20 am

    I’m many states away, but won’t to THANK YOU for this worthy news article, to remind everyone of the real reason for CHRISTMAS !!!

  22. Jake Gibbs on December 25th, 2009 8:04 am

    Thank you for sharing the real Christmas story.

  23. noh8rs on December 25th, 2009 8:02 am

    Merry Christmas to all.

  24. Bob on December 25th, 2009 7:59 am

    Thanks william for the story;Thanks for having the courage to put this in print for all to see,and not being afraid of our society. When prayer is put back in our schools our country will be back on the mend.

  25. thankful on December 25th, 2009 7:53 am

    I am a first time blogger, but I think this “News Article” deserves to be commented on. I enjoy your website very very much William. There have been many times I was interested in leaving comments, but didnt. But today, I just had to. Thank you so much for reminding our people of the true meaning of Christmas. It IS the greatest news article you have ever reported!!!!! Thank you for not being afraid to “Cover” this story.
    With much appreciation,
    thankful

  26. ckn on December 25th, 2009 7:36 am

    God bless you for for printing The Greatest Gift of All. Sharing this with your readers makes you #1 in my book!

  27. Carl Emmons on December 25th, 2009 6:51 am

    Thank you for not being afraid to share “The Greatest Story Ever Told”. Jesus is the reason for the Christmas Season.

  28. Willene on December 25th, 2009 4:43 am

    Thank you William for this story about The Greatest Gift of All.

  29. AL on December 25th, 2009 1:29 am

    Thank you, William… and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Features, News