Merry Christmas! The Story Of The Greatest Gift Of All

December 25, 2011

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Today’s lead story on NorthEscambia.com is a story that happened over 2,000 years ago today — the birth of a boy child.

It is story 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 with the promise of 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

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

  1. FL Girl on December 25th, 2011 10:32 pm

    Thank you so much!! Wonderful to read a Christian perspective about Christmas!!!

  2. amen on December 25th, 2011 6:21 pm

    Thank you. I read your site 2 n 3 times a day at least probly more. I feel you are a good person I thanked you for your story and support of my son that tearful night and just want to thank you once more for all that you do and the hearts you touch. We are lucky to have you as part of our community. Merry Christmas to all of God’s children

  3. C Mills on December 25th, 2011 4:53 pm

    Merry Christmas to William, his family, friends, north escambia.com & all who assist to make it so special.

    Thank you William for this article about our Savior’s birth.

  4. Jackie Johnson on December 25th, 2011 4:43 pm

    Merry Christmas to each and everyone!! Thank you William for keeping the northend of Escambia County informed and updated on local events. May God Bless each and everyone in 2012!

  5. Carl & Sylvia on December 25th, 2011 2:34 pm

    Merry Christmas William and I love the Christmas story for it never grows old. God bless you and all you do to keep us informed on all the comings and goings around the Tri City Area.

  6. Marcella Wilson on December 25th, 2011 9:31 am

    Thank you William for sharing the true Christmas story. God bless you William and God bless NorthEscambia.com

  7. Tricia on December 25th, 2011 8:20 am

    JOY TO THE WORLD!!! Happy birthday, Jesus. I love You. ♥

    God Bless you William… for printing the greatest story of 2000 years… a gift to all men!!!

  8. xpeecee on December 25th, 2011 8:00 am

    Merry CHRISTmas, William!!!

  9. ArmyCptswife on December 25th, 2011 7:56 am

    That was very wonderful!!! Thank you and Merry Christmas to everyone!!! Remember Jesus is the reason for the Season!!!!!!

  10. Char on December 25th, 2011 7:49 am

    Best Story Ever Told

    Merry Christmas to ALL!

  11. Andrae Pope on December 25th, 2011 7:39 am

    Thank you for sharing the true meaning of Christmas! Merry Christmas! :)

  12. Steve Leonard on December 25th, 2011 7:33 am

    Merry Christmas William. Thanks for reporting the true meaning of Christmas.

  13. RRG on December 25th, 2011 7:29 am

    Thank you, William, for presenting the true message of Christmas to your readers. I’ve noticed more people saying Merry Christmas this year. God bless you and your family this coming year, 2012. May it be a good year for all. Merry Christmas! Happy birthday Jesus!

  14. Stuart on December 25th, 2011 7:25 am

    Amen!

    One of the top 2 or three miracles of all time…the Incarnation. Right up there with Creation and Salvation.

    God bless us everyone.

    thanks NE.com! Merry Christmas!

  15. Buddy on December 25th, 2011 7:14 am

    Thank you Wiliam for recognizing that this is still the lead story after 2000 years and will continue to be until He comes again. Gods Blessings on you,your family and all involved with North Escambia.com.

  16. Willene & Preston Bryan on December 25th, 2011 7:11 am

    Merry Christmas to you to William and your family, may God bless you.

  17. Ron Cotton on December 25th, 2011 6:49 am

    Merry Christmas to the Staff, may you have a Blessed New Year. Thanks for the great reporting and all you do for the county. God Bless

  18. Sharon on December 25th, 2011 6:41 am

    Amen, Praise The Lord !

  19. RainyReba on December 25th, 2011 5:49 am

    The Greatest Story ever told!!! Thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift!

  20. charlie w. on December 25th, 2011 3:38 am

    To all I wish a merry christmas and a happy new year!

  21. Devastating Dave on December 25th, 2011 1:16 am

    Good news indeed! God bless NorthEscambia.com! Happy Christmas!