    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [December 22, 2001]
    [Pages 1544-1545]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    December 22, 2001

        Good morning. This week before Christmas was a busy one in
    Washington, DC. Members of Congress have returned home with many
    achievements to show for their work. Congress passed, and I will soon
    sign, the most important education reforms in a generation. We have
    taken strong action to support our military, protect our homeland, and
    make our airways more secure. The year 2001 also saw the largest tax
    relief in two decades.
        These achievements bring credit to the Congress, and I'm grateful
    for their work. I'm disappointed, however, that the Senate was not able
    to pass legislation to get our economy growing again and to help workers
    who have lost their jobs. I'm hopeful that the positive spirit of
    bipartisan accomplishment that guided much of this year's success will
    prevail when Congress returns early next year.
        Our thoughts in these coming days, however, do not center on public
    policy. Millions of Americans will be celebrating Christmas, marking an
    ancient birth of an eternal promise of peace on Earth and good will to
    men. This Christmas comes just months after a great national loss. We
    find ourselves appreciating more than ever the things that matter most:
    our families, our friends, and our faith. We count our blessings, and we
    remember all those who feel loss, separation, and need.
        For the families that lost a loved one on September the 11th or in
    the fighting in Afghanistan, this will be the first Christmas without a
    husband or a wife or a father or a mother or son or daughter. Our Nation
    shares their grief.
        Many thousands of our fighting men and women will spend Christmas
    far from home, accepting hardship and danger to

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    protect us all. We are grateful to every military family for the
    sacrifice they are making for America. We owe them much.
        Our Nation is also thankful for the people of every faith, in every
    community, who make a special effort this time of year to help neighbors
    in need. So many good-hearted Americans are giving time or money to make
    sure that there's a hot meal for homeless people, a Christmas present
    for disadvantaged children, food for the hungry in foreign lands, or
    just a visit to bring comfort to someone who is lonely or sick.
        The year now ending saw a few acts of terrible evil. It also saw
    many more acts of courage and kindness and love. And these reflect the
    great hope of Christmas: A light shines in the darkness, and the
    darkness shall not overcome it.
        Laura and I wish a very joyous holiday to all Americans. May the
    peace and good will of the season fill every heart and warm every home.
        Thank you for listening, and Merry Christmas.

    Note: The address was recorded at 10:00 a.m. on December 21 in the Oval
    Office at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on December 22.
    The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary
    on December 21 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The
    Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of this address.