    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [December 27, 2003]
    [Pages 1760-1761]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    December 27, 2003

        Good morning. In this week of Christmas, Laura and I send good wishes to the families of America. We
    hope this season has brought happy reunions, celebration, and new
    memories to cherish as we approach the new year.
        Christmas centers on the birth of a child and on the message of hope
    and peace. We hear that message in many ways at Christmas, and it never
    loses the power to lift our hearts. The holidays can also deepen our
    sense of gratitude for life and for all the family and friends who fill
    our

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    lives. In this great and prosperous land, we remember how much we have
    been given and how much we have to share.
        We think of those among us who spend the holidays in sadness or
    solitude. We think of those facing illness or the loss of a loved one or
    the hardships of poverty or unemployment. And across our country, caring
    citizens are reaching out to those in need by volunteering their time.
    By serving a cause greater than themselves, Americans spread hope in our
    country, and they make our Nation better, one life at a time.
        At Christmas, we also think of the men and women of our Armed Forces
    who are defending freedom around the world. These brave Americans are
    fighting terrorists in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere so that we do
    not meet these killers on our own streets. We are grateful for the
    courage and commitment of our troops, and we are safer because of their
    skill and sacrifice. Separation from loved ones is always difficult,
    especially at this time of year. All our men and women serving abroad
    can know that their families miss them, millions are praying for them,
    and their Nation is proud of them.
        All who serve others are living out the spirit of the Christmas
    season. The story of Christmas is familiar to us all, yet it still
    brings inspiration and comfort and love to people everywhere. The voice
    first heard 20 centuries ago in Bethlehem stirs churches and communities
    to open homeless shelters and food pantries and job training centers to
    help those in need.
        This Christmas season comes at a time of great challenge for our
    country. Yet the story of this holiday reminds us of an eternal promise,
    that God's purpose is justice and His plan is peace.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 11:40 a.m. on December 22 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on December
    27. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on December 26 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.