The Unifying Hope of Christmas

Many Americans have entered this Christmas season weary from a divisive election. Thankfully, the beauty of Christmas comes in its unifying hope for all people.

President Ronald Reagan recounted this truth in his radio address to the nation on Christmas Eve 1988, and his words are still reassuring today.

We must come together as a country. It is a tall order, and I am hopeful President-elect Donald Trump will focus on its importance as he takes office. In the meantime, we must each take to heart the spirit of Christmas and do all we can to ensure our words and actions reflect what unites us rather than what may divide us.

To all Nebraskans, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

President Ronald Reagan
Radio Address to the Nation (excerpt)
December 24, 1988

My fellow Americans:

Tomorrow is a day for celebration: celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Joy envelops us, as it must have enveloped our ancestors 1,988 years ago when unto us a Child was born. Our joy comes this happy season—featuring Hanukkah as well—not merely from the family dinner at which we come together nor just in the delight that a small child takes in all the sounds and smells and sights and a gift. It’s not simply the crackle of a fire, the tinsel on the tree, and the annual viewing of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Yes, all these things are joyous, indeed, but this is also a time for prayer, a time for us to count our myriad blessings and reflect upon the joy that is ours every day of every year.

Because of the common stresses and strains of everyday life, we may be forgiven for forgetting from time to time all that God has given us. One child has a fever; another is grumpy; a third is asking why is the sky blue, and all the while there are bills to pay and a roof that leaks. Sometimes it all seems a little too much, and at these moments we look back with longing to a time when our responsibilities did not seem so large. But this season those responsibilities are revealed for what they truly are: the God-given blessings that give our lives flavor and meaning. And the more responsibilities of this kind we have, the greater are our blessings. For in this way we’re indeed made in the image of our Lord: At our best, our capacity to love seems inexhaustible. We know at this time of year that all we must do is give of ourselves, and in return we shall receive all that we have given and much, much more.

We know that there are those among us for whom the holidays are painful and lonely. I know you join with me in hoping that this year they will take heart and have faith. For the message of this most joyous holiday is that we are all—no matter what divides us—we are all loved by a force greater than ourselves, a love that surpasseth all understanding, a love that provides all the answers for those who feel lost and alone during these remarkable days. We are not alone; we’re never alone.