Christmas Message
By the President of the United States of America
December 21, 2007
"But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have
found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth
to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be
great and will be called the Son of the Most High...his
kingdom will never end.'"
Luke 1:30-33
During the Christmas season, our thoughts turn to the source
of joy and hope born in a humble manger on a holy night more
than 2,000 years ago. Each year, Christians everywhere
celebrate this single life that changed the world and
continues to change hearts today. The simple and inspiring
story of the birth of Jesus fills our souls with gratitude
for the many blessings in our lives and promises that God's
purpose is justice and His plan is peace.
At this special time of year, we give thanks for Christ's
message of love and mercy, and we are reminded of our
responsibility to serve. America is blessed to have fine
citizens who reach out with a compassionate hand to help
brothers and sisters in need. We also remember our brave men
and women in uniform who have volunteered to defend us in
distant lands. Many of those who have answered the call of
duty will spend Christmas far from home and separated from
family. We honor their sacrifice, ask God to watch over them
and their families, and pray for their safe return.
Christmas is a time to rejoice and remember the birth of
Jesus Christ. Laura and I pray your Christmas will be blessed
with family and fellowship, and we wish you a day of glad
tidings. Merry Christmas.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Christmas Message
By the President of the United States of America
December 18, 2006
"For unto us a child is born ... and His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince
of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6
For centuries, patient men and women listened to the words of
prophets and lived in joyful expectation of the coming
Messiah. Their patience was rewarded when a young virgin
named Mary welcomed God's plan with great faith, and a quiet
birth in a little town brought hope to the world. For more
than two millennia, Christians around the world have
celebrated Christmas to mark the birth of Jesus and to thank
the Almighty for His grace and blessings.
In this season of giving, we also remember the universal call
to love our neighbors. Millions of compassionate souls take
time during the holidays to help people who are hurt, feed
those who are hungry, and shelter those who need homes. Our
Nation also thinks of the men and women of our military who
are spending Christmas at posts and bases around the world
and of the loved ones who pray for their safe return. America
owes a debt of gratitude to our service members and their
families.
The simple story of Christmas speaks to every generation and
holds a sense of wonder and surprise. During this time of joy
and peace, may we be surrounded by the love of family and
friends and take time to reflect on the year ahead. Laura and
I pray that this season will be a time of happiness in every
home and a time of peace throughout the world. Merry
Christmas.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Christmas Message
By the President of the United States of America
December 19, 2005
'Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name
shall be called Emmanuel' which means, God with us.
Matthew 1:23
More than 2,000 years ago, a virgin gave birth to a Son, and
the God of heaven came to Earth. Mankind had received its
Savior, and to those who had dwelled in darkness, the light
of hope had come. Each Christmas, we celebrate that first
coming anew, and we rejoice in the knowledge that the God who
came to Earth that night in Bethlehem is with us still and
will remain with us forever.
Christmas is a season of hope and joy, a time to give thanks
for the blessing of Christ's birth and for the blessings that
surround us every day of the year. We have much to be
thankful for in this country, and we have a responsibility to
help those in need. Jesus calls us to help others, and acts
of kindness toward the less fortunate fulfill the spirit of
the Christmas season.
On Christmas, we pray for freedom, justice, and peace on
Earth. We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice
for our country and for our freedom, and we ask for God's
blessing on their loved ones. We ask God to watch over all of
our men and women in uniform. Many are serving in distant
lands, helping to advance the cause of freedom and peace. Our
entire Nation is grateful to them and prays for their safe
return.
Laura and I send our best wishes for a blessed and merry
Christmas.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Christmas Message
By the President of the United States of America
December 23, 2004
For 2,000 years, Christmas has proclaimed a message of hope:
the patient hope of men and women across centuries who
listened to the words of prophets and lived in joyful
expectation; the hope of Mary, who welcomed God's plan with
great faith; and the hope of wise men, who set out on a long
journey guided only by a slender promise traced in the stars.
Christmas reminds us that the grandest purposes of God can be
found in the humblest places. And it gives us hope that all
the love and gifts that come to us in this life are the signs
and symbols of an even greater love and gift that came on a
holy night.
The Christmas season fills our hearts with gratitude for the
many blessings in our lives. With those blessings comes a
responsibility to reach out to others. Many of our fellow
Americans still suffer from the effects of illness or
poverty. Others fight cruel addictions, cope with division in
their families, or grieve the loss of a loved one.
Christmastime reminds each of us that we have a duty to love
our neighbor just as we would like to be loved ourselves. By
volunteering our time and talents where they are needed most,
we help heal the sick, comfort those who suffer, and bring
hope to those who despair.
During the holidays, we also keep in our thoughts and prayers
the men and women of our Armed Forces -- especially those far
from home, separated from family and friends by the call of
duty. In Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere, these courageous
Americans are fighting the enemies of freedom and protecting
our country from danger. By bringing liberty to the
oppressed, our troops are defending the freedom and security
of us all. They and their families are making many sacrifices
for our Nation, and all Americans are deeply grateful.
Laura joins me in wishing all Americans a Merry Christmas.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Christmas Message
By the President of the United States of America
December 19, 2003
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will
toward men.
Luke 2:14
As families and friends gather to celebrate Christmas, we
remember all the blessings that fill our lives, beginning
with the great blessing that came on a holy night in
Bethlehem. For Christians around the world, the birth of
Jesus is a central religious event; an example of God's
profound love for humanity; and the pathway to hope and to
new life. Today, the Christmas story still speaks to every
generation.
This holiday season, as we share in the spirit of giving and
enjoy familiar Christmas traditions, we give thanks for the
wonder of God's love and rededicate ourselves to helping
those in need. We also pray for our brave men and women in
uniform, many of whom will spend the holidays far from home.
Their courage and dedication is helping keep us safe and
extending freedom and peace. We are grateful for their
service to our country, and for the support and sacrifice of
their families.
Laura joins me in wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year. May the peace and goodwill of the season fill every
heart and warm every home.
GEORGE W. BUSH
| |