The Christmas Story – An ‘Editor’s Letter’ Tradition

Seventy years ago, in our December 25, 1948 edition, the Editor of “The People’s Friend” published the first Christmas Editor’s Letter featuring The Christmas Story.

Present-day “Friend” Editor, Angela, continues the tradition of featuring The Christmas Story in place of her usual Editor’s Letter, in every Christmas issue. So many readers have told us that it means a great deal to them – so, with that in mind, we thought you might like to read it here, online, too.

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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.

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Wishing you a peaceful Christmas, and sending our best wishes to you for a happy and healthy 2019, from your “Friend”.