[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H7554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          A CHRISTMAS GREETING

  (Mr. LaMALFA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, this week, I had the opportunity to 
participate in the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program, 
where we sent Christmas cards to servicemembers who are serving far 
from home this Christmas season. Though it is a seemingly simple 
gesture of honoring these patriots, it really causes you to reflect on 
the meaning of Christmas.
  As John 3:16 states: ``For God so loved the world, that He gave His 
only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but 
have eternal life.''
  God sent his son to be born in Bethlehem that first Christmas, 
bringing great joy to the world--with the shepherds, the wise men, and 
angels all sharing in the joy and celebrations.
  Christmas is a time to rejoice as children of God and to continue the 
tradition of giving, not out of necessity, but out of love.
  We have so much to be grateful for this year. We are blessed to live 
in the greatest country in the world, and we owe it all to our brave 
and courageous men and women who sacrifice so much to safeguard our 
values.
  So this Christmas season, in the spirit of giving, I encourage you to 
take a moment and show your appreciation to those who are serving our 
Nation both here and abroad, as well as their families here at home, 
and our law enforcement who have to work these times as well. May their 
service and sacrifice always be appreciated.
  Merry Christmas.

                          ____________________