[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 52 (Monday, December 27, 2004)]
[Page 3014]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message on the Observance of Christmas 2004

December 23, 2004

    For 2,000 years, Christmas has proclaimed a message of hope: the 
patient hope of men and women across centuries who listened to the words 
of prophets and lived in joyful expectation; the hope of Mary, who 
welcomed God's plan with great faith; and the hope of wise men, who set 
out on a long journey guided only by a slender promise traced in the 
stars. Christmas reminds us that the grandest purposes of God can be 
found in the humblest places. And it gives us hope that all the love and 
gifts that come to us in this life are the signs and symbols of an even 
greater love and gift that came on a holy night.
    The Christmas season fills our hearts with gratitude for the many 
blessings in our lives. With those blessings comes a responsibility to 
reach out to others. Many of our fellow Americans still suffer from the 
effects of illness or poverty. Others fight cruel addictions, cope with 
division in their families, or grieve the loss of a loved one. 
Christmastime reminds each of us that we have a duty to love our 
neighbor just as we would like to be loved ourselves. By volunteering 
our time and talents where they are needed most, we help heal the sick, 
comfort those who suffer, and bring hope to those who despair.
    During the holidays, we also keep in our thoughts and prayers the 
men and women of our Armed Forces--especially those far from home, 
separated from family and friends by the call of duty. In Afghanistan, 
Iraq, and elsewhere, these courageous Americans are fighting the enemies 
of freedom and protecting our country from danger. By bringing liberty 
to the oppressed, our troops are defending the freedom and security of 
us all. They and their families are making many sacrifices for our 
Nation, and all Americans are deeply grateful.
    Laura joins me in wishing all Americans a Merry Christmas.
                                                George W. Bush

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