    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [December 19, 2005]
    [Pages 1889-1890]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Christmas 2005
    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

    [[Page 1890]]

    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

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