The “Friend” Re-tells The Story Of The First Christmas

In every Christmas issue of “The People’s Friend” since 1948, our Editor’s letter has featured the story of the first Christmas.

In one of our bumper issues, you’ll have noticed these words from our present-day Editor, Angela:

“Every year at this time I wonder again whether to repeat this favourite passage from the Bible.

“And every year I come to the conclusion that its message is as fresh as ever and even more important for all of us today.”

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.

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.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring unto 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 Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

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

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

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one 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.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

Wishing you a merry and peaceful Christmas, and a happy and healthy year ahead, from all of us here at the “Friend”.