December 23, 2008
Posted: December 23rd, 2008 12:40 PM ET
Bush released a Christmas message Tuesday.
Bush released a Christmas message Tuesday.

The White House released a Christmas statement from President Bush Tuesday. Full statement follows:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release December 23, 2008

Christmas 2008

"'I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'"

Luke 2:10-12

"Each year, Christmas brings together families, friends, and communities to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrate the wonderful gifts God has bestowed upon us. 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.

"Laura and I send our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas. May you be surrounded by loved ones and blessed by the Author of Life during this joyous holiday and throughout the New Year."

GEORGE W. BUSH

Filed under: President Bush


Gary Stuart   December 24th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Let's see George "holier than thou" Bush! Thow shall NOT kill? Thou shall NOT steal? Thou shall NOT bear false witness? What a good Christian he is...NOT....Thou shall NOT covet thy neighbors Property?

Gary Stuart   December 24th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Let's see George "holier than thou" Thow shall NOT kill? Thou shall NOT steal? Thou shall NOT bear false witness? What a good Christian he is...NOT....Thou shall NOT covet thy neighbors Property?

Joel Carr   December 24th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Merry Christmas and happy Chanukah to those who celebrate. Happy New Year to all, unless you happen to be offended by that... If we're all going to be offended by holiday greetings (or lack there of), simply because they are not applicable to us, how are we ever going to have happy holidays? Peace, peace, peace. Please.

Dave, Illinois   December 23rd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Funny how you insecure Libs have to insult the Christmas holiday. You have a right not to celebrate and the freedom of speach to proclaim it. Its too bad that you do not have the tact or manners to simply allow a well meaning Christian wish go without spewing your usual hate.
For all of you who can't wait for Jan 20, remember that the party is over then as well. From that point on, using the same standard that you applied to Bush, everything bad that happens is automatically Obama's fault because it happened on his watch. Keep that in mind and Merry Christmas.

Al, atheist from California   December 23rd, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Oh, my, he is not in prison yet.

ran   December 23rd, 2008 5:12 pm ET

January 20,2009 that is all one needs to know when it comes to Bush.

naqib   December 23rd, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Don't worry all... you won't get anything like this next year.

Alah Salam Alakum

Amy   December 23rd, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Honestly, President Bush is the President of the United States for 30 more days. I did not vote for President-Elect Barack Obama but I am accepting of him as our president and am supportive of him.

Why is it so difficult to be civil to the sitting president who had to deal with some of the hardest circumstances any president in the modern time has had to deal with? He did a job, and President-Elect Obama is about to start a job, that you couldn't pay most people to do, but they are doing it because they feel it is their duty to the country they love.

So let a Christmas message from the President be that, and let's not deal with politics on this holiday. For just one day, maybe, we can escape from the problems of the world.

Jim, Maine   December 23rd, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Whether people like to admit it or not, or just refuse to accept it. Jesus is not just the savior of Christians. He was born and died for all of our sins. Jesus accepts all who seek and acknowledge him; regardless of one's prior religious beliefs. Why is it that people are so afraid to acknowledge Jesus? Is it because then you will have to admit that you're a sinner? How dare Jesus make you feel shame, you should crucify him again.

Cori from Colorado   December 23rd, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Bush said – "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...we can honor God's goodness and affirm the immeasurable value God places on the sanctity of life".

Ha! Tell that to the Iraqi's and their families, tell that to the American's who are losing jobs and homes, tell that to families who have lost loved ones in this senseless war, go on, preach to the world Mr. Bush.

Bush, you should take your own words to heart. Practice what you preach hypocrite.

Lauren the Designer   December 23rd, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Boston Irish December 23rd, 2008 4:26 pm ET
I'm glad President Bush wished everyone a "MERRY CHRISTMAS". I am glad he kept Christ in Christmas. I am tired of everyone wishing everyone else "Happy Holidays", "Seasons Greetings" or some other greeting because they are afraid of offending someone. A person can celebrate anything and anyway they want to, but they don't change their greeting. They don't remove the word Hannukah, Ramaden or Kwanzaa out of their celebration and greetings. Why should they expect Christians to remove Christ from theirs. They want it their way, but not mine.

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Ummm I don't think you get it.
The reason people say "HAPPY HOLIDAYS" isn't supposed to take anything away from Christmas...it is because there are several holidays right around the same time of the year (Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa) and with all the people walking around out there, sometimes it's just not obvious which one someone celebrates. If you were Jewish, wouldn't you get at all annoyed if someone kept saying "MERRY CHRISTMAS" to you during Hanukkah? "Happy Holidays" is the correct way to address a general group of people this time of year.

K   December 23rd, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Thank you President Bush. Merry Christmas!

Larian LeQuella   December 23rd, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Keep the solstice in Saturnalia! :P

Reality Chick   December 23rd, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Is he gone yet? For Christ's sake, hurry up and go already.

Frank, Las Vegas   December 23rd, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Thank God it's his last one!

kitty   December 23rd, 2008 4:44 pm ET

I love you Mr. President and Laura. Thank you for your service as our president. Thank you for keeping me and my family safe from terriorist. Be sure to tell Obama how to take care of us.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Karen, Arkansas   December 23rd, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Only 28 days left of your reign King George the Boob!

Kathryn Ross   December 23rd, 2008 4:41 pm ET

"Even Jesus would never forgive what you do."

It is Christmas. But it is also Solstice and Hannukah. The reality is that virtually every act of the Bush presidency violated the primary principle of the Christian faith (and this sentiment is found in most other world religions), simply "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." To mention the sanctity of life (for obviously political reasons) when you have presided over so much torture and so much death seems to show a genuine lack of sympathy for the suffering of others. It is Christmas. A good time to reach out to all Americans, to all citizens of the globe. A good time to humble yourself and repent for your sins. If George Bush used his final Christmas message to acknowledge his sins against man and God, I doubt that it would have offended anyone, regardless of their faith. However, his hypocrisy is hard to stomach, even at Christmas.

Loud & Proud Leftie   December 23rd, 2008 4:40 pm ET

I'm still waiting for my holiday wishes for Ganesha Chaturthi-the festival celebrating the birth of Ganesh.

Ganesh is the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, and is widely worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

Anonymous   December 23rd, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Could you guys give it a rest? Bush isn't the only one to blame for our crisis, does anyone of you read the Bible? It would happen no matter who is in office and is going to get worse. And as for Christmas, have you people ever read any history THE USA (the FREE Country of the world) was founded on CHRISTIANITY, the birth of Christ, hence CHRISTmas should be recognized for what it is, an American holiday that should be celebrated by ALL because he LOVED and came to die for ALL. If we as Christians hadn't laid down and compromised on issues in our government we might not be in this shape. Don't bash Bush for one of the only statements that he made actually representing Jesus as he should be represented! Merry Christmas to All and Happy New Year!!

Hating for the holidays   December 23rd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Feel the Christmas love...

Boston Irish   December 23rd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

I'm glad President Bush wished everyone a "MERRY CHRISTMAS". I am glad he kept Christ in Christmas. I am tired of everyone wishing everyone else "Happy Holidays", "Seasons Greetings" or some other greeting because they are afraid of offending someone. A person can celebrate anything and anyway they want to, but they don't change their greeting. They don't remove the word Hannukah, Ramaden or Kwanzaa out of their celebration and greetings. Why should they expect Christians to remove Christ from theirs. They want it their way, but not mine.

Joe   December 23rd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

I agree it is an appropriate address for a Christmas prayer. But, as he is addressing a nation who is celebrating the holidays he shows that he is not a president of the people, but a president of the evangelical people. I also feel people do not like George bush saying these words because he has lost his legitimacy as a leader.

Ray O'Vac   December 23rd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Beelzebub has a devil put aside for him (and Cheney).

Connie   December 23rd, 2008 4:17 pm ET

I am all for anyone wishing me a Merry Christmas. Christians are not the enemy. (Even though we ALL know Christ was not born on the 25th of December, he was born in April – GET OVER IT)

However, as the President of the United States, the person who is supposed to represent us all, would it have hurt for him to say something like, "I would also like to recognize those of the Jewish faith during the Chanukah Season and to those celebrating Kwanzaa – Best Wishes for you and your families." A nod to those faiths celebrating during the same time is not just PC – it's just Good Manners – something this President forgot long ago.

My co-worker is a Jehovah's Witness and I made a point to give him a Thank You card instead of a Christmas card to let him know he was being thought of. He was touched that someone took the time to understand him as a person and not persecute him for not celebrating Christmas.

After all, it's what Jesus would have done, himself. It's called respect.

mark   December 23rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

up yours george!

Virginia   December 23rd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Keep it to yourself said: "Can't we care for all living creatures and the earth as a whole without invoking Christ or God?" Hate to break it to you, but God created ALL the living creatures and the EARTH, so we do have to invoke His name. He even created you and loves you. God bless you.

Steven in Charleston   December 23rd, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I have no problem with the President issuing a "Christmas" message as long as he also does the same for Channukah, Ramadan, etc. But I'm guessing he didn't. Or if he did, that he managed to do so in a screwed-up, condescending manner.

JP   December 23rd, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Its amazing how just a simple statement in the spirit of goodwill pisses off liberals. Keep your political correctness to yourselves please.

Lou in Indian Springs, Al.   December 23rd, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Bush, just go away !!!

Gary of El Centro, Ca   December 23rd, 2008 4:06 pm ET

We would all be having a much better Christmas if Bush had just done his job these last 8 years. Thanks for screwing up our country Bush, and have a nice life.

Christie   December 23rd, 2008 3:59 pm ET

In that case, Mr. President, I wish you a joyous Hannakah and hope you enjoyed the Winter Solstice. We did and we're AMericans, too.

G.R.I.T.S. - Girl Raised in the South   December 23rd, 2008 3:59 pm ET

To Brian from Fort Mill, SC: I hope that you are not indicating that the Constitutional limits on a President's power prohibit him from expressing his belief that Christmas is holy, that it signifies the birth of the savior of many of us, Jesus Christ. The Constitution merely prevents the government from imposing laws regarding official religions. It does NOT prohibit a President from having Christian beliefs and wishing other believers a Merry Christmas.

I cannot stand George Bush, but I have to support the reason for the season as a Christian. I will not force my particular religious beliefs on anyone, however, I am also FREE, through the Constitution, to celebrate and express my love for Christ through the tradition of Christmas.

In addition, I would never force an atheist or Jew or Muslim, or Hindu, etc. to take off from school or work for Christmas break. If you don't want to celebrate the holiday, that is fine.

Vicki5   December 23rd, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I could have sworn he said, "God's gift of oil".

sam   December 23rd, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Did Mr Gorge Bush APOLOGISE to Unites State about misleading us to sensless war ? I do not remember. If he didn't then he must as well do so before he leave.

Kim   December 23rd, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Bush is almost done.

Best. Christmas. Gift. Ever.

Lauren the Designer   December 23rd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

J.P. December 23rd, 2008 3:11 pm ET
Uh…. why should it? It's Christmas for freaking Pete's sake. Do we mention Jews during Ramadan? Hindus during Kwanza? Branch Davidians during the Klingon holiday of QI'lop?

Get over your pretentious, politically-correct "all-inclusive" self.

------------------------------–

Actually it's not Christmas YET...but it IS Hanukkah.

Jared   December 23rd, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Merry Christmas President Bush!!! To all you leftist, commie, media consumers who based your votes on popularity, false accusations, and can't research the facts and make up your own minds....BAH HUMBUG! And good luck with the next four years. General Petraeus will come to the rescue in 2012.

Greg- Ft Wayne IN   December 23rd, 2008 3:55 pm ET

The good news and great joy begin January 20th!!

Linda   December 23rd, 2008 3:55 pm ET

I was very happy to see that Bush's faith is intact and is no doubt much deeper from having plowed through this difficult presidency. I respect his speaking out on what Christmas really is about. It is rare indeed. Though I have certainly not been a strong supporter of Bush, I have to say his speaking up for Christ at this time of year, especially, is much appreciated.

whiskey2010   December 23rd, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Well, even Jesus would find room at the table for W, among the other marginalized.

Jim, Maine   December 23rd, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Hey CHUCK, I couldn't help but laugh at the fact that every time you called the President a moron you spelled it incorrectly. There is no "A" in moron. As for the economy, do your homework and you will find the democrats caused the failure in the banking industry. Why is it that when gasoline was over $4.00 per gallon it was President Bush's fault, yet now when it is under $2.00 per gallon there is no mention of it. The sad part is that over Obama's term many of Bush's policies and changes will begin to have an effect and Obama will get the Glory. Of course, that is only if America is not obliterated under the cowardly democrats. But still, Merry Christmas and God Bless.

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   December 23rd, 2008 3:52 pm ET

the moron still doesn't understand... WE ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN NATION..... so SHOVE IT and SHUT UP....

LIP   December 23rd, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Does anyone seriously believe that this congress and this president will work together finally? George Bush also had delusions of grandeur when he took the oath of office. He honestly thought he could work across the isle, until the Democrats said they would filibuster to death any and all of his proposals from judge selections to policy and they did. Even Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, decisive little p-k that he is said the same. So, for 8 years we had a congress dominated by Democratrs with the lowest rating ever, chastise our President. Revenge is sweet they say and I'm guessing that the Republicans are sitting on their collective hands waiting for the moment.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   December 23rd, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Merry Christmas Mr. Bush and to all GOODBYE.

Steve   December 23rd, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Hey Chuck,
Learn how to spell moron you moron.

virginia for obama   December 23rd, 2008 3:43 pm ET

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY.

oddmaninblue   December 23rd, 2008 3:43 pm ET

First and foremost it is Merry Christmas. If you want to say Happy Holidays need to look at where Christmas came from. So say Merry Christmas like our President, because like him or not, he is still the President. Quit trying to be so politically correct. It makes me sick

Virginia   December 23rd, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Hey Slash, on what million people did Bush get his hands stained with blood? I hadn't heard about that one, only that the Dems keep saying he has killed over 4,000 in the wars. Give me a break--military forces know that they will have to go to war, so they know they could die. I wish for all of our military men and women to be safe and come home to their families. But a million people, I think not!

chad   December 23rd, 2008 3:41 pm ET

"We remeber the members of the Armed Forces serving to protect our country". Is he serious? We did not need protection from Iraq. Who is he remembering – the dead, maimed or still fighting members of his pre-empted war?

Rob   December 23rd, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Amazing how the kook libs on this site still find a way to bash Bush. Instead of visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads, these goofs have visions of the phony illusion that is global warming (yep, -1 in Chicago yesterday, a sure sign of global warming). They blame Bush for the recession, yet it was the DEMOCRATS in Congress who let Fannie and Freddie do their damages freely. They say Bush is an evil criminal, yet there has not been one attack on US soil since 9/11. Of course the biggest sin in the eyes of these freaks may be that he actually acknowledged our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (no, not Barrack Obama).

You live in a world of delusion and illusion. You pump up someone as a Messiah who will be anything but. In time, you and your clueless ideas will be irrelevant, THEN America can recover its greatness.

Mike O'Brien   December 23rd, 2008 3:39 pm ET

President George W. Bush.., please get the U-Haul truck to the back door of the White House and drive as fast as you can to Dallas, Houston or Crawford, Texas.., or where ever you want to live. Have a great life.., but, leave us along. Mike in Montana

Dan in Philly   December 23rd, 2008 3:37 pm ET

I love laughing at all the Obama haters spewing their gargage before the man even has a chance to govern. Losers.

Ivonne   December 23rd, 2008 3:36 pm ET

By reading some of these comments, you can tell there is soooo much holiday spirit in democrats.....

Virginia   December 23rd, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Thank you, Mr. Bush, for sharing your Christian beliefs, especially at this time of year. It is so refreshing to hear the name of our Savior spoken from a world leader without it being in vain. God bless you and your family at Christmas!

Keep it to yourself   December 23rd, 2008 3:33 pm ET

I'm offended that our President feels the need to force feed his religious views down the throat of the American public.

While I can appreciate the message as a call to action to folks around this nation to help and serve those less fortunate, I find this letter/sermon to be divisive and ignorant toward people of other or no religious faith.

Can't we care for all living creatures and the earth as a whole without invoking Christ or God?

Ivonne   December 23rd, 2008 3:33 pm ET

Merry Christmas – Mr. President !

RealityKing   December 23rd, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Lincoln was a great president because he freed 4 million people by turning a brutually oppressive government into a democracy for all. i.e.., Bush has 14 times the presidential accomplishments of Lincoln.

Merry Christmas W..

G.R.I.T.S. - Girl Raised in the South   December 23rd, 2008 3:30 pm ET

When I saw the first sentence, "'I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." I thought maybe he and Cheney were resigning and taking the never-before-heard-of step to inaugurate the P.E. early. Darn.

I am all for separation of church and state. In fact, I would never vote for someone like Huckabee because I don't believe he could serve the Constitution properly. However, Christmas IS for Christians. Sorry folks, it just is. Every other religion has their major holidays, this just happens to be ours. This is not a "holiday", it is Christmas – in all Christian nations and wherever there are Christians. I have never actually heard a non-Christian ask to work or attend school instead of taking Christmas break.

OBAMA GIRL   December 23rd, 2008 3:29 pm ET

~yawns~

Can't wait until Januaruy 20th!

Happy Holidays 2 All ;)

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   December 23rd, 2008 3:28 pm ET

BUSH KNOWS WHERE HE CAN SHOVE HIS JESUS-GRAM

obama-mama   December 23rd, 2008 3:28 pm ET

It must be nice for the Bushes to enjoy their Christmas. I hope they are at least thinking about the folks who cannot afford to get their children or family presents even though that is not the true meaning of Christmas.....I do with those family health and strength to know they will make it through this downtime.....

SR   December 23rd, 2008 3:24 pm ET

ALEX- It goes with the territory. You just don't have a clue pal!!! Join us now or forever waller in you misery. HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS YOU AND ALL :)

Paul DObro   December 23rd, 2008 3:24 pm ET

At least it wasn't signed by Barney!

For those who ahve not seen one of the most poorly acted, dumb, but not the dumbest thing to come out of the white house, check out Barney's WHite house Christmas 2008.

Susan   December 23rd, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Enough of you folks who condem Christmas. And enough with the bashing of the President for any and everything he does. Please note it is December 23rd – - It is the season and the President has every right to wish Americans a Merry Christmas. I cannot tell you how sick I am of all of you who take the joy out of every season. Get over it and have a joyous holiday – and dare I say.....Merry Christmas to all even the grinches who live the web.

Shari, NY   December 23rd, 2008 3:21 pm ET

"'I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people" said the voice of an angel in the days of old. What a contrast! Too bad we are not getting such glad tidings from the outgoing administration.

NY republican   December 23rd, 2008 3:19 pm ET

WOW, I've finally seen it all – "Chuck" just blaimed George Bush for a hurricane!!! Way to go "Chuckie". And all he wanted to do was wish YOU a Merry Christmas!! So Merry Christmas Chuck!!! To everyone else, he's just saying "Merry Chrismas" people, How many of you are being "All Inclusive" when you express your "Christmas Season" greetings? Do you send people Kwanza cards, How about your pagan friends, no one has wished me a "Happy Yule" yet but I don't try to blame them for hurricanes!!!!!

Salt   December 23rd, 2008 3:19 pm ET

casey December 23rd, 2008 2:46 pm ET
I am very thankful and fortunate to live in a country that still holds this holiday as a Holy day. I will not let anyone tell me there is no God or that it is ok for people to walk around and plaster billboards that say it is ok to deny the most giving loving and FORGIVING Father any one has ever had. God will watch over us and keep us safe. We will prevail and all those who deny that I will be praying for you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS. Thats right! CHRISTmas.

--------------------------------

Just food for thought: It's pretty hypocritical to say that you won't let anyone tell you there is no god and then proceed to shove your religion down the throats of the people that don't want to hear about it. I'm not denying or confirming the existence of any god in particular, but if you don't want to hear about some peoples' beliefs you should try keeping your bible thumping to yourself.

It makes ME feel very thankful and fortunate that I get to live in a country where you are free to practice the religion of your choosing. It would just be nice if all of them were included in some way in the president's statement.

Happy HOLIDAYS to all.

Greg, PA   December 23rd, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Where's the Chanukkah statement? Or are they just leaving it at the Christmas-themed Chanukkah cards they sent out in November?

Is it January 20 yet?

CNN = Jerry Springer of News   December 23rd, 2008 3:17 pm ET

This Christmas statement sounds more like a homily than a statement from a President. I went to Catholic school through college and have never heard the term "Author of Life."

I don't think the President needs to speak in completely secular terms, but it would have been nice to mention some of the other holidays Americans of other religions are celebrating. This message reads as if it is only for Christians and members of the military.

box of rocks   December 23rd, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Bleep,bleep and bleep.

Houston calling ...   December 23rd, 2008 3:13 pm ET

@ HouseDiva: Apart from the conspiracy theories abound, I think you need to brush up on the Geography. Dubai in Pakistan? Go figure ...

PJKLUTE   December 23rd, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Thank you, Mr. President, for saying what's in your heart. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.

Robert   December 23rd, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Jim – Christmas is about Christ. Its a Christian holiday. Just because others celebrate it does not mean its about them. Don't cry when on my birthday you don't get a present.

Besides which, your use of "holy cow" would probably infuriate some of the Hindus whom you're trying to come to the rescue of =D

Brian from Fort Mill, SC   December 23rd, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Jim December 23rd, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Holy cow. This is a profoundly inappropriate endorsement of Christianity by a sitting president in his official capacity. No attempt at all is made to include Jews, Muslims, Hindus, or any other sects, much less the millions of Americans who profess no religion. However, one can hardly be surprised by this president's continued disregard (until the final day!) of the limitations on government power expressly contained in the Constitution.
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Lighten up. I don't think the Muslims and Bhuddists have a holiday near Christmas.

Besides, you're guilty of that yourself. You started with "Holy Cow". Does that make you Hindu???

AJ   December 23rd, 2008 3:12 pm ET

And my Christmas message is "'I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people, BUSH IS ON HIS WAY OUT, hopefully never to be seen again." How's that for a Christmas present!!

J.P.   December 23rd, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Jim, you state, "No attempt at all is made to include Jews, Muslims, Hindus..." by the POTUS in his Christmas address.

Uh.... why should it? It's Christmas for freaking Pete's sake. Do we mention Jews during Ramadan? Hindus during Kwanza? Branch Davidians during the Klingon holiday of QI'lop?

Get over your pretentious, politically-correct "all-inclusive" self.

SR   December 23rd, 2008 3:10 pm ET

SHAKING MY HEAD AS I ROLL MY EYES

NEL E BELL   December 23rd, 2008 3:09 pm ET

JESUS SAVE US FROM GWB, LESS THAN A MONTH TO GO PRIOR TO THE LAST FAILURE ON WALL STREET, I WOULD HAVE SAID WHAT ELSE COULD HE DO TO US. NOW I KNOW DON'T SAY IT HE IS THE FLYING DUTCHMAN, NOTHING BUT BAD NEWS IN HIS SAILS.

s   December 23rd, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Enough of inbedding religion into government! This only isolates people that don't share your same POV, and that's not good for a nation looking to move forward! We are a nation so diverse in ethnicity and religion that we must end pandering to the race or religion of the majority.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL IN WHATEVER TIME/DATE YOU CELEBRATE!

Yours,

S

naqib   December 23rd, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Jim

He signed it George Bush... not President of the United States.

Although I'm not sure where in the constitution is says he can't wish the American people a Happy Holiday.

chuck   December 23rd, 2008 3:03 pm ET

FORTUNATELY THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE WAS NOT WRITTEN BY THIS MORAN OR ELSE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER.GEORGE BUSH MAKES A MESS OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE,A MOCKERY OF THE WORLD AND HAS INSULTED EVERY AMERICAN AT HOME AND ABROAD.CAN JANUARY 20,2009 BE NOW.

Alex, NC, proud to be Republican   December 23rd, 2008 3:03 pm ET

You people are idiots, the president is whishing all of us a merry christmas, stop being such democrats and whining and being so politcally correct and worrying about what every religion practices..(though im sure all of you think bush is in his secret hideout condeming jews and muslims alike for no apparent reason)...its ridiculous to see the number of people that call themselves americans and wish harm on this man or bash him repeatedly...I for one do not like obama, and do like president Bush, but Im not going to whine about it like all you democrats and hippies out there, stop trying to put the blame for everything on President bush, it makes you look stupid and uneducated!

Merry Christmas to all, and Happy Holidays as well!

kb   December 23rd, 2008 3:03 pm ET

May we all try to get along and pray that both sides of government work together this year to help us all. It is never one person that makes the decisions, and if it was really left up to you or me to be President, would you really want it to be your decision only? I have seen more men leave the white house with gray hair in a 4/8 year period than those raising children. May this year find you all with a spirit of love and kindness, not bitterness.

Chuck   December 23rd, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Amazing how a war criminal who should be charged with genocide finds comfort in reciting the bible. How ironic.

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!   December 23rd, 2008 3:03 pm ET

I BET OBAMAS CHRISTMAS STATEMENT NEXT YEAR WILL NOT EVEN MENTION THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST.

I WONDER WHY?

Joyce   December 23rd, 2008 3:00 pm ET

'Tis the season of Joy, so why don't you all lighten up?! Why does every statement have to looked at for a negative meaning? President Bush said Merry Christma, accept it!

AnaB   December 23rd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

casey

I am very thankful and fortunate to live in a country that still holds this holiday as a Holy day. I will not let anyone tell me there is no God or that it is ok for people to walk around and plaster billboards that say it is ok to deny the most giving loving and FORGIVING Father any one has ever had. God will watch over us and keep us safe. We will prevail and all those who deny that I will be praying for you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS. Thats right! CHRISTmas.

******************************************************

Actually in this country that same right is afforded to people who either do not believe in God or who believe in a different God. So yes it is your right to your religion, but it is also ok for nonbelievers to "walk around" believing what they do.

David   December 23rd, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Hey. You don't have to be Christian to become President. And is a muslim should earn that right, and they want to make a statement about the birth or Mohammed or a celebration of Allah, that would be his right.
I don't like Bush, but he isn't endorsing Christianity. He IS a Christian and by our Constitution is allowed to speak his mind, unfortunately.

Will-South Dakota   December 23rd, 2008 2:57 pm ET

And it all happened on the Republican watch, reccession, depression for many households, crooked bankers, crooked automakers, greedy big oil corporations, greedy drug com., big insurance. Bush will never pay for anything he will get it all free how fair is that for running the country into economic ruin.

Enslaved by Dogma   December 23rd, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Wow, our president actually believes in the virgin birth yet won't acknowledge global warming. We have a commander in chief who really believes in fairy tales and we wonder why our nation is a mess right now. Get a clue W or just stick your head back in the sand.

Kim   December 23rd, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Well, at first blush, this statement strikes me as not inclusive to many, many people in this country who are not Christians but who celebrate this time of yr. to be with family and friends and to seek out peace and goodwill. Let's not forget that Dec 25 was designated as Christmas in the 4th century and coincided with the winter solstice which was celebrated by Pagans. So technically, Pagans are the reason for the season. As a Christian I try very hard to be inclusive of my Jewish, Islamic and non religious friends. And so should the President. I'm happy he has his beliefs but not all America practices the same religion (thankfully).

Slash   December 23rd, 2008 2:56 pm ET

How dare this torture-ordering warmonger, his hands stained with the blood of over a million people, speak of peace?

God forgive you, Mr. President, because the world will not.

chuck   December 23rd, 2008 2:54 pm ET

FROM FEASTING TO FAMINE SHOULD BE THE EVERYDAY CRY OF THIS MORAN FOR THE WAR CRIMES HE'S GUILTY OF AND ALL THE LIVES HE DEMOLISHED DURING HURRICANE KATRINA.

Jackie in Dallas   December 23rd, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Oh, and Happy Hanukkah, happy Kwanzaa, and any other day that other Americans celebrate!

Oh, yeah, most importantly, celebrate that January 20th is coming - soon!

Baze   December 23rd, 2008 2:49 pm ET

What is he setting the stage for Obama?

demwit   December 23rd, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Author of Life?

Mari   December 23rd, 2008 2:47 pm ET

As a Christian, I do not know how Bush sleeps at night. With the lies, torture, and bankrupting our Nation its a wonder he even goes out in public.

Thanks Bush for....

Bankrupting our Nation, over $10 TRILLION in National debt

Still spending $10 BILLION a month in Iraq! A war started on LIES! While 100,000's of Americans lose their jobs and homes!

For TWO recessions during your EIGHT years!

For BUDGET DEFICIT OF OVER $1 TRILLION..... IN 2009!

For OVER a MILLION JOBS LOST.... AND COUNTING!

THANK GEORGE W. BUSH!

casey   December 23rd, 2008 2:46 pm ET

I am very thankful and fortunate to live in a country that still holds this holiday as a Holy day. I will not let anyone tell me there is no God or that it is ok for people to walk around and plaster billboards that say it is ok to deny the most giving loving and FORGIVING Father any one has ever had. God will watch over us and keep us safe. We will prevail and all those who deny that I will be praying for you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS. Thats right! CHRISTmas.

J.P.   December 23rd, 2008 2:46 pm ET

And let the bush bashing begiiiiiiiiinnnnnn... NOW!

Jim   December 23rd, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Holy cow. This is a profoundly inappropriate endorsement of Christianity by a sitting president in his official capacity. No attempt at all is made to include Jews, Muslims, Hindus, or any other sects, much less the millions of Americans who profess no religion. However, one can hardly be surprised by this president's continued disregard (until the final day!) of the limitations on government power expressly contained in the Constitution.

badger   December 23rd, 2008 2:43 pm ET

What a hypocrite!

HouseDiva   December 23rd, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Bush and Cheney have already prepared to protect themselves from all prosecution. Bush and family have already purchased property in Paraguay, South America – a place that has the worlds largest underground fresh water supply, no GMO foods, AND – they DO NOT ALLOW EXTRADITION OF CRIMINALS. Likewise, Cheney and family, will flee to Dubai, Pakistan – ANOTHER country that DOES NOT EXTRADITE criminals. You all may remember when Dickey moved his Halliburton company to Dubai… Gee, I wonder why? These scum bags KNOW what they’re guilty of and are fleeing the country as soon as they’re out of the White House. They know what’s coming in this country – the crash of the economy, civil unrest, revolution and the release of bio weapons (or worse) and they know that the American people that know about their crimes would skin them alive – and they would deserve worse. So, it won’t matter if the “Obama/Biden” administration wants to prosecute or not – Bush & Cheney will be untouchable.

WAKE UP AMERICA! AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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