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President Marks Christmas In Statement, Radio Address and Phone Calls To Military

By Howard M. Friedman

On Tuesday, the White House released President Bush's formal Christmas Message for 2008 (full text). He said in part:

During this season, we remember Jesus' birth from the Virgin Mary, His justice and mercy that changed the world, and His ultimate sacrifice for all people. Though Jesus was born humbly in a manger, He was destined to be the Savior of the world. The light He brought into the world continues to break through darkness and change people's lives two thousand years later.

This holiday season, as you rejoice in the good news of Jesus' love, forgiveness, acceptance, and peace, I encourage you to show grace to those less fortunate, just as God showed it to us. By serving those in need and through other acts of love and compassion, we can honor God's goodness and affirm the immeasurable value God places on the sanctity of life. We remember the members of our Armed Forces serving to protect our country and secure God's gift of freedom for others around the globe. All Americans are indebted to these men and women and their families for their sacrifice, devotion to duty, and patriotism.

The President's radio address on Tuesday (full text) focused on the armed forces at Christmas time. He recalled the "miracle [that] took place on Christmas night, 1776" when George Washington led troops across the Delaware River in a successful attack on the British.

On the morning of Christmas eve, the President telephoned nine "exemplary members of the Armed Forces who are stationed in remote locations worldwide to wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and to thank them for their service to our Nation." (White House release.)

President-elect Barack Obama also released his Holiday Radio Address this week (full text and video), saying: "This season of giving should also be a time to renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship."

Full post as published by Religion Clause on December 25, 2008 (boomark / email).