US Presidential Christmas Quotes
A Bi-Partisan Offering
By Chuck Warren
Whether you are Christian or not, as Emily Belle Freeman wrote, "There is a certain feeling that surrounds the Christmas season - every day is filled with anticipation of good things to come."
I am optimistic, I believe good things are to come for the United States of America.
It is always interesting to review what elected officials say about the holidays and other moments in history. Today, we have simply compiled a list of some of the Christmas quotes from the current and former Presidents who have held the highest office in the land. I hope you enjoy it and share the quotes you find most appropriate and in the spirit in which you worship this season with family and friends.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
1953 -
"This Christmas is truly a season of good will—and our first peaceful one since 1949". He also said, "Prayer places freedom and communism in opposition, one to the other".
1954 -
He expressed hope for lasting peace, but also noted the suffering of people in other parts of the world. He said, "Even in this happy season, we dare not forget crimes against justice, denial of mercy, violation of human dignity.... Neither dare we forget our blessings".
John F. Kennedy
1961 Christmas message to the Troops -
"Christmas expresses the deepest hopes for a world of peace where love rather than mistrust, will flourish between neighbors".
Lyndon Baines Johnson
“Our country has known many wartime Christmases. It may seem difficult, at such times, to even say "Merry Christmas." But when you think of the bravery of the human spirit, and the compassion of the human heart, and the power of life to triumph over pain and darkness, you are properly thankful. Your own spirits are lifted higher; and you say it--and mean it--as I do now. Merry Christmas.”
Richard M. Nixon
"Christmas is not measured by the number of lights on a tree.
The spirit of Christmas is measured by the love that each of us has in his heart.”
Gerald R. Ford
“THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS IS AGELESS, IRRESISTIBLE
AND KNOWS NO BARRIERS. IT REACHES OUT TO ADD A GLOW TO
THE HUMBLEST OF HOMES AND THE STATELIEST OF MANSIONS.
IT CATCHES UP SAINT AND SINNER ALlKE IN ITS WARM EMBRACE.
IT IS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY-- BUT TO BE SILENT AND PRAYERFUL AS
WELL. I KNOW THIS WILL BE A PARTICULARLY HAPPY CHRISTMAS
FOR ME. I CELEBRATE IT SURROUNDED BY THOSE I LOVE AND
WHO LOVES ME. I CELEBRATE IT BY JOINING WITH ALL OF OUR
CITIZENS IN OBSERVING A CHRISTMAS WHEN AMERICANS CAN HONOR
THE PRINCE OF PEACE IN A NATION AT PEACE•
THE FORD FAMILY WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A
CHRISTMAS THAT BRINGS ALL OF THE JOY, THE FULFILLMENT,
AND THE INSPIRATION OF THIS MOST PRECIOUS OF SEASONS.
MAY GOD'S BLESSINGS BE WITH YOU ALL. “
Jimmy Carter
“Rosalynn and I send our warmest Christmas greetings to those of our fellow citizens who celebrate this religious holiday. At this time of traditional joy and family festivity, as we join in thanking God for His blessings to us as a nation and as individuals, we ask that you offer a special prayer for the Americans who are being held hostage in Iran and for their families. We also remember the plight of all people, whatever their nationality, who suffer from injustice, oppression, hunger, war, or terrorism. May this Christmas season truly be the beginning of a time of peace among nations and good will among all peoples, and may the spirit of love and caring continue from this holy season through the coming year.”
Ronald Reagan
1981 -
“On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ with prayer, feasting, and great merriment. But, most of all, we experience it in our hearts. For, more than just a day, Christmas is a state of mind. It is found throughout the year whenever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair, and love triumphs over hate. It is present when men of any creed bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man. . . . And it is reflected in the brilliant colors, joyful sounds, and beauty of the winter season.”
1983 -
"This festive occasion is celebrated in many different ways. We exchange gifts, attend church services, decorate our homes and Christmas trees, and enjoy a family dinner. But perhaps the tradition that most warms the heart is the sound of Christmas music.
Of all the songs ever sung at Christmastime, the most wonderful of all was the song of exaltation heard by the shepherds while tending their flocks on the night of Christ's birth. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and said: ``Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.'' Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of voices praising the Heavenly Father and singing: ``Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.''
Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations we forget that the true meaning of Christmas was given to us by the angelic host that holy night long ago. Christmas is the commemoration of the birth of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, whose message would truly be one of good tidings and great joy, peace and good will. During this glorious festival let us renew our determination to follow His example.
Won't all of you join Nancy and me in a prayer for peace and good will. May a feeling of love and cheer fill the hearts of everyone throughout this holiday season and in the coming year.
We hope this Christmas will be especially wonderful and that it will usher in a new year of peace and prosperity."
1984:
“More than any gift or toy, ornament or tree, let us resolve that this Christmas shall be, like that first Christmas, a celebration of interior treasures. And let us resolve to share our many blessings with others now and in the year to come—from the hungry or the helpless near at hand to those in trouble or turmoil in distant lands from Africa to Asia and beyond.”
George H.W. Bush
“Blessed with an unparalleled degree of freedom and security, generations of Americans have been able to celebrate Christmas with open joy. Tragically, that has not always been the case in other nations, but we look to the future with optimism, and we celebrate the holidays with special gladness as courageous peoples around the world continue to claim the civil and religious liberty to which all people are heirs. The triumph of democratic ideals and the lessening of global tensions give us added reason for celebration this Christmas season, and as the world community draws closer together, the wisdom of Christ's counsel to "love thy neighbor as thyself" grows clearer.”
Bill Clinton
"The beloved Christmas story itself is a story of light for, as the Gospel of John tells us, Jesus came into the world as 'the true light' that illuminates all humankind.
"Almost 2,000 years later, that light still shines amid the dark places of our world. It is reflected in the lives of so many quiet and generous people who strive daily to make life better for others -- feeding the hungry, caring for the ill and elderly, cherishing and nurturing children. It radiates from the hearts of those who work for peace and justice in their communities, our nation, and the world. It shines in the efforts of men and women striving to break down the walls of fear, ignorance, and prejudice that cast shadows across too many lives and prevent us from becoming the people God intended us to be.
"May all who celebrate Christmas this year rejoice in the special gifts of light that it brings: the love that warms our hearts, the faith that lights our journey and the hope that promises us a bright future. Hillary and I wish you joy and peace during this Christmas season and much happiness in the New Year."
George W. Bush
“Christmas is a time of wonder and joy, of generosity and peace, that brings family and friends together in celebration and song. We sing old hymns and familiar carols, we show love for others in the giving of gifts, and we observe the hallowed traditions that make the season special. This year in the midst of extraordinary times, our Nation has shown the world that though there is great evil, there is a greater good. Americans have given of themselves, sacrificing to help others and showing the spirit of love and sharing that is so much a part of the Christmas season.”
Barack Obama
"Along with celebrations like these, the holidays also offer us a time for reflection and perspective. And over these next few weeks, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, as we retell the story of weary travelers, a star, shepherds, Magi, I hope that we also focus ourselves on the message that this child brought to this Earth some 2,000 years ago -- a message that says we have to be our brother’s keepers, our sister’s keepers; that we have to reach out to each other, to forgive each other. To let the light of our good deeds shine for all. To care for the sick, and the hungry, and the downtrodden. And of course, to love one another, even our enemies, and treat one another the way we would want to be treated ourselves. It’s a message that grounds not just my family’s Christian faith but that of Jewish Americans, Muslim Americans, non-believers -- Americans of all backgrounds. It’s a message of unity and a message of decency and a message of hope that never goes out of style. And it’s one that we all need very much today."
Donald J. Trump
“The First Lady and I send our warmest wishes to all Americans as we celebrate Christmas. While our gatherings might look different than in years past, this Christmas, like every Christmas, is an opportunity for us to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and show our heartfelt gratitude for the abundant blessings God has bestowed upon our lives and country. In this season of peace, we cherish the warmth, generosity, and faith that breathe life into our holiday gatherings. The love we share with our family and friends fills our hearts with joy, just as the story of Christ’s birth inspires people all over the world. This year, we come together as proud Americans—grateful for our sacred right to worship freely and to openly profess our trust in the enduring light and promise of the coming of God.”
Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
“During this season of reflection and renewal, many of us will sing “O Holy Night.” A phrase in the song is, “His law is love; His gospel is peace.” May [My] wish for you and for the nation, now and always, as we continue to seek the light of liberty and love, kindness and compassion, dignity and decency. Merry Christmas, America. Merry Christmas to all of you. And may God bless you all. And may God protect — may God protect our troops.”
If you have other Christmas quotes from former presidents, feel free to share in the comments. Merry Christmas from Breaking Battlegrounds.
