Reagan at Christmas: To ‘Millions of Us, Jesus Is Much Extra, He Is Divine’

In his Dec. 24, 1983 radio deal with to the nation, President Ronald Reagan recounted George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River in 1776, which improved the class of U.S. record praised Individuals for their generosity and talked about Christmas as the “birthday of the Prince of Peace” who, for tens of millions of us, “is divine.”

“It truly is been said that all the kings who at any time reigned, that all the parliaments that at any time sat have not done as significantly to progress the trigger of peace on Earth and very good will to adult males as the man from Galilee, Jesus of Nazareth,” states Reagan. 

Below are the finish remarks by President Reagan on that Christmas Eve. 

My fellow People in america:

Like so numerous of your properties, the White Property is brimming with greens, colorful decorations, and a tree trimmed and ready for Xmas day. And when Nancy and I glimpse out from our upstairs windows, we can see the Nationwide Xmas Tree standing in majestic elegance. Its lights fill the air with a spirit of appreciate, hope, and pleasure from the coronary heart of America.

I shared that spirit lately when a younger girl named Amy Benham helped me light our national tree. Amy experienced stated that the tree that lights up our nation must be found all the way to heaven. And she mentioned that her desire was to assist me convert on its lights. Nicely, Amy’s desire came real. But the greatest present was mine, for the reason that I noticed her eyes mild up with hope and pleasure just as brightly as the lights on our national tree. And I’m confident they have been both of those observed all the way to heaven, and they built the angels sing.

Xmas is a time for kids, and rightly so. We celebrate the birthday of the Prince of Peace who came as a babe in a manger. Some celebrate Xmas as the birthday of a fantastic trainer and philosopher. But to other thousands and thousands of us, Jesus is a lot much more. He is divine, dwelling assurance that God so cherished the earth He gave us His only begotten Son so that by believing in Him and mastering to like each individual other we could a single day be with each other in paradise.

It’s been explained that all the kings who at any time reigned, that all the parliaments that ever sat have not finished as substantially to advance the trigger of peace on Earth and superior will to adult men as the man from Galilee, Jesus of Nazareth.

Xmas is also a time to bear in mind the treasures of our individual historical past. We don’t forget just one Christmas in particular, 1776, our to start with year as a nation. The Groundbreaking War had been likely badly. But George Washington’s religion, courage, and leadership would convert the tide of historical past our way. On Xmas evening he led a band of ragged troopers across the Delaware River through driving snow to a victory that saved the cause of independence. It really is mentioned that their route of march was stained by bloody footprints, but their spirit never ever faltered and their will could not be crushed.

The image of George Washington kneeling in prayer in the snow is just one of the most renowned in American history. He personified a individuals who knew it was not adequate to count on their individual courage and goodness they ought to also request aid from God, their Father and Preserver.

In a couple several hours, families and pals throughout The united states will be part of jointly in caroling get-togethers and Christmas Eve companies. With each other, we will renew that spirit of faith, peace, and supplying which has usually marked the character of our people.  In our times of silent reflection I know we will recall our fellow citizens who may well be lonely and in need tonight.

“Is the Xmas spirit nevertheless alive?” some inquire. Nicely, you guess it is. Being Us citizens, we open up our hearts to neighbors a lot less fortuitous. We try to shield them from starvation and chilly. And we get to out in so many strategies — from toys-for-tots drives across the nation, to great will by the Salvation Army, to American Purple Cross initiatives which deliver food stuff, shelter, and Xmas cheer from Atlanta to Seattle.

Church buildings are so generous it truly is impossible to maintain observe. One particular case in point: Reverend Bill Singles’ Presbyterian Conference Residence in nearby Alexandria, Virginia, is simultaneously sponsoring incredibly hot foods on wheels applications, creating and providing hundreds of sandwiches and box loads of dresses, though visiting nearby hospitals and sending postcards to shut-ins and spiritual dissidents abroad.

Let us keep in mind the people who keep a watch for their missing in action. And, indeed, enable us don’t forget all those people who are persecuted inside of the Soviet bloc — not because they dedicate a criminal offense, but simply because they adore God in their hearts and want the freedom to celebrate Hanukkah or worship the Christ Little one.

And because religion for us is not an vacant phrase, we invoke the power of prayer to distribute the spirit of peace. We talk to safety for our soldiers who are guarding peace tonight — from frigid outposts in Alaska and the Korean demilitarized zone to the shores of Lebanon. A single Lebanese mother advised us that her little girl had only attended school 2 of the past 8 several years. Now, she mentioned, simply because of our presence there her daughter can reside a typical lifetime.

With endurance and firmness we can support provide peace to that strife-torn location and make our have lives more protected. The Christmas spirit of peace, hope, and adore is the spirit Individuals have with them all year spherical, everywhere we go. As prolonged as we do, we need to have hardly ever be afraid, simply because trusting in God is the just one certain respond to to all the problems we encounter.

Until up coming 7 days, many thanks for listening, God bless you, and Merry Christmas.