    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [December 25, 2001]
    [Page 1545]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Christmas Greeting to the Nation
    December 25, 2001

        Good morning, and Merry Christmas. During this time of conflict and
    challenge, Christmas is a day on which we celebrate hope and joy, when
    our thoughts turn to justice and compassion and to a Prince of Peace
    born long ago. This is a day on which we give thanks for the wonder of
    God's love, for the blessings we have received, and for the families we
    love. And this year all of these things seem particularly important.
        Charles Dickens wrote that Christmas is a time when abundance
    rejoices and want is keenly felt. This Christmas finds many facing hurt
    and loss, especially the families of terror victims and of our young men
    killed in battle. America grieves with you, and we hope you'll
    especially find the comfort and hope of Christmas.
        Laura and I send our good wishes to all the families in America that
    have come together in celebration. We're especially grateful to all the
    men and women of our military, many of whom are today separated from
    their loved ones because they're serving our country.
        Even in this time of war, we pray for peace on Earth and good will
    toward men, and we continue to ask God's blessings on the United States.
        Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year.

    Note: The radio greeting was recorded at 10:04 a.m. on December 21 in
    the Cabinet Room for later broadcast. The transcript was made available
    by the Office of the Press Secretary on December 21 but was embargoed
    for release until December 25. The Office of the Press Secretary also
    released a Spanish language transcript of this greeting.