WASHINGTON, December 20, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - US President George W. Bush and his wife Laura have issued a Presidential Christmas message brimming with faith and all about the 'reason for the season'. The message, reproduced in full below, is striking in that rather than stating 'I believe . . ." or "Christians hold that . . .", the Presidential message on the White House web site states as a plain matter of fact that "More than 2,000 years ago, a virgin gave birth to a Son, and the God of heaven came to Earth."
There was considerable controversy in the US earlier this month about a non-descript Christmas card from the White House, which failed to mention "Christmas". The card carried a picture of the White House in winter on the cover, but did contain a Scripture verse. It quoted Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him."
If the controversy was meant to encourage a proper Christmas message, the President surely delivered in his Presidential Message. However, the White House Christmas page is still notable for its frequent use of the politically correct, secular "Holiday" term. See http://www.whitehouse.gov/holiday/2005/
In related news, a CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll released today found that 69 percent of Americans prefer being wished "Merry Christmas" over "happy holidays," which garnered 29 percent. The poll, which surveyed 1,003 adult Americans by phone can be found here: http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/12/20/poll.season/index.html
Presidential Message: Christmas 2005
- "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel' which means, God with us. " Mt 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
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