Posted on 12/02/2005 8:39:51 AM PST by emiller
President Bush took part in the annual lighting of the National Christmas tree last night, but failed to mention by name Jesus Christ, whose birth millions celebrate in the U.S. and around the world.
"Christmas is a time to rejoice, and to give thanks for the blessings of the season and for the blessings that surround us every day of the year," said Bush, flanked by the first lady, as well as members of Congress and the Cabinet.
The president made a brief allusion to Jesus, but crafted it into a joke which got mild response.
"Each year, we gather here to celebrate the season of hope and joy – and to remember the story of one humble life that lifted the sights of humanity. Santa, thanks for coming. Glad you made it. I know you've got a lot of commitments this time of year. By the way, we have a lot of chimneys at the White House if you're looking for something to do."
(Excerpt) Read more at worldnetdaily.com ...
No it's not.
The first paragraph identifies the reason for the event...
The 2nd paragraph and those following begin the thanking of those that are present.... totally different meanings, etc.
"THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Welcome to the Christmas Pageant of Peace. Laura and I are so honored to join you all. The lighting of the National Christmas tree is one of the great traditions in our Nation's Capital. Each year, we gather here to celebrate the season of hope and joy -- and to remember the story of one humble life that lifted the sights of humanity.Santa, thanks for coming. (Laughter.) Glad you made it. I know you've got a lot of commitments this time of year. By the way, we have a lot of chimneys at the White House -- (laughter) -- if you're looking for something to do. I appreciate all our entertainers. Thanks for being here. This is a fantastic evening.
I want to thank Peter Nostrand, who is the Chairman of the Christmas Pageant of Peace, and John Betchkal, all the members of the board. I appreciate Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, other members of my Cabinet who are here. I appreciate the members of Congress who have come.
I particularly want to give a special thanks to the National Parks Service Director Fran Mainella and all the good folks who work for the National Parks Service. (Applause.) Reverend Martin, thank you very much as well.
[end snip]
"Each year, we gather here to celebrate the season of hope and joy – and to remember the story of one humble life that lifted the sights of humanity.
Santa, thanks for coming. Glad you made it. I know you've got a lot of commitments this time of year. By the way, we have a lot of chimneys at the White House if you're looking for something to do."
See what happens when you place a break where it goes? This goes from being a joke to a respectful comment on the holiday followed by a joke referring to the presence of a Santa.
This President is sly. I'm so glad he's more cunning than the opposition.
No kidding sinkspur. I wonder how these people would have held up against lions in a coliseum.
Thanks for posting a link to the video. Yes, he took a pause before changing the subject.
We go through this each year with people who get themselves all riled up over the fact that the White House Christmas card contains a Psalm rather than a New Testament verse, or some who are offended because the President made a reference to the Prince of Peace, because you see, he's supposed to say the name Jesus rather than the name Prince of Peace.
One poster actually complained, seriously, that the Bible he carried to church during the Christmas season was too small.
It's that "Inn" and/or "in" word, that always translates into, no room for Jesus. No room at the "Inn", no room for even the mention of his name, "in" the the holiday established for the honoring and celebration of his birth.
Asking God to continue blessing America, seems trite while we are ashamed to speak the name of his Son Jesus aloud, for fear of offending the foolish who are foolishly offended at the mere mention of the name of the one they desperatly need to become aquainted with.
Merry Christmas, everyone. Happy birthday Lord Jesus.
Amen.
"Lighten up. I was actually there and it did not come across in his delivery that way. Anyone else attend? If not, drop it."
I had a better seat than you. I watched it on TV and seen it several times since. Being there just meant you were suckered into the flow.
"...one humble life that lifted the sights of humanity".(talking about Jesus Christ) end of sentence. Then a new sentence (probably looking over at the Santa that was on stage with him) "Santa thanks for coming..."
Doesn't anyone else get this?
I think he just changed the subject.
Christmas means two things, together "Christ" and "Mass".
Bush may have one but not the other.
Has Bush arranged for his ticket out of town when the Pro Life Rally comes around in January?
Watch the video linked upthread. The "laughter" was by one individual, and all that shows is that the individual doing the laughing may have taken it as a joke. It is not proof of intent whatsoever.
I am supposed to be upset about what?? Some of these people get upset because he's breathing.
Pray for W and Our Freedom Fighters
The whole point of posting this article is to prove something I've been feeling for some time, and that is-- Bush is not what he appears to be.
The way he's thrown Israel to the wolves was one tipoff- ha
I voted for him because I thought he was a Christian. Now, I'm not even sure if he is one. I'm leaning to the realization he is not. A "wolf in sheep's (Christian's) clothing", if you will.
A lot of us used to thank God that Bush was elected and was in charge. Now, I'm thinking it was a horrible mistake.
Unless you're being disingenuous.
Notice the poster's posting history and his/her sign-up date. Should give you some idea about the misleading headline.
WND needs to seriously lighten up.
I agree, it seems it was said in jest, no joke about Jesus. It is starting to get just so many stuck on stupid.
"The whole point of posting this article is to prove something I've been feeling for some time, and that is-- Bush is not what he appears to be.
The way he's thrown Israel to the wolves was one tipoff- ha
I voted for him because I thought he was a Christian. Now, I'm not even sure if he is one. I'm leaning to the realization he is not. A "wolf in sheep's (Christian's) clothing", if you will.
A lot of us used to thank God that Bush was elected and was in charge. Now, I'm thinking it was a horrible mistake."
Exactly.......
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