[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 51 (Monday, December 26, 2005)]
[Page 1897]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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

Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this message.