FReeper Canteen ~ Presidential 2005 Military Messages for Christmas and Hanukkah ~ Dec 25 2005

President George W Bush

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

 

 

Presidential Message: Christmas 2005

'Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and his name shall be called Emmanuel' which means, God with us.

Matthew 1:23

More than 2,000 years ago, a virgin gave birth to a Son, and the God of heaven came to Earth. Mankind had received its Savior, and to those who had dwelled in darkness, the light of hope had come. Each Christmas, we celebrate that first coming anew, and we rejoice in the knowledge that the God who came to Earth that night in Bethlehem is with us still and will remain with us forever.

Christmas is a season of hope and joy, a time to give thanks for the blessing of Christ's birth and for the blessings that surround us every day of the year. We have much to be thankful for in this country, and we have a responsibility to help those in need. Jesus calls us to help others, and acts of kindness toward the less fortunate fulfill the spirit of the Christmas season.

On Christmas, we pray for freedom, justice, and peace on Earth.

We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for our freedom, and we ask for God's blessing on their loved ones. We ask God to watch over all of our men and women in uniform. Many are serving in distant lands, helping to advance the cause of freedom and peace.
Our entire Nation is grateful to them and prays for their safe return.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a blessed and merry Christmas.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Presidential Message: Hanukkah 2005

More than 2,000 years ago, the Jewish people led a revolt against oppressors who forbade them to pray, study the Torah, or observe their religious customs. Led by Judah Maccabee and fueled by their faith, their small army triumphed over tyranny. When they reclaimed the desecrated Temple and prepared it to be purified and re-dedicated, the holy oil that should have lasted only one day instead burned for eight days. During Hanukkah, Jews around the world honor this miracle by lighting the menorah,
a symbol of hope shining through darkness.

As Jewish Americans prepare to light the Hanukkah candles this year, we give thanks for God's many blessings and His watch and care over our Nation. We remember our many military families
and ask God's special blessing on those who have lost loved ones in freedom's cause.

We are grateful for the courage and commitment of America's men and women in uniform and
pray for their safety as they serve around the world to spread peace and liberty.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a joyful Hanukkah.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Chaplain Links
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	Coast Guard Headquarters Chaplain
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U.S. Navy
	Navy Chaplain Corps
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	Chaplain Care
	Naval Chaplains School

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Dear Service Person

I don't know your name BUT I do know who you are. YOU are a true Patriot and a Defender of our Freedom at home. You choose to enlist when you did not have to. You choose to put your life in harms way for us. Know that at home there are millions upon millions of people supporting YOU and your Brother and Sisters. We will be waiting for YOU when you return. May God watch over you and your Brothers and Sisters in the military, no matter where they are stationed or their job description. Thank You for your service to our country. Thank You for Standing the Watch.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah

A Viet Nam Vet

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Click on the pic and I'll guide you
to the start of today's thread

[carlr]

A wonderful statement and thank you for your service.

[gate2wire]

"Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah"
Thank you for your service.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

FYI : Look in upper right corner of "My Comments" page.
Set it for "Brief" instead of Full.
You only will get title of thread and who pinged you.
No graphics will load.

[DollyCali]

Joy to the World!
The Lord has come!

"More than 2,000 years ago...mankind received its Savior, and to those who had dwelled in darkness, the light of hope had come. Each Christmas, we celebrate that first coming anew, and we rejoice in the knowledge that the God who came to Earth that night in Bethlehem is with us still and will remain with us forever. Christmas is a season of hope and joy, a time to give thanks for the blessing of Christ's birth and for the blessings that surround us every day of the year....This Christmas, we pray especially for freedom, justice and peace on Earth. We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for our freedom, and we ask for God's blessing on their loved ones. We ask God to watch over all of our men and women in uniform. Many are serving in distant lands, helping to advance the cause of freedom and peace. Our entire Nation is grateful to them and prays for their safe return. Laura and I send our best wishes for a blessed and merry Christmas." —President George W. Bush

He rules the world with truth and grace." —Isaac Watts



“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." —Charles Dickens



“The Incarnation...illuminates and orders all other phenomena, explains both our laughter and our logic in our fear of the dead and our knowledge that it is somehow good to die and which at one stroke covers what multitudes of separate theories will hardly cover for us if this is rejected." —C.S. Lewis



“Regarding not the day, let us give God thanks for the gift of His dear Son... If it be possible to honor Christ in the giving of gifts, I cannot see how while the gift, giver and recipient are all in the spirit on the world... But we have a Christ gift the entire year." —Charles Spurgeon



"The concerted effort to minimize Christmas has resulted in it being our national Happy Holiday - holiday. The Christmas season is now the holiday season. Christmas parties are now holiday parties. Christmas is a time for giving and receiving presents and in many homes, nothing more. Who is this fellow, Jesus Christ, anyway?" —Lyn Nofziger



"Holiday and Holy Day, Christmas is more than a Yule log, holly or tree. It is more than natural good cheer and the giving of gifts. Christmas is even more than the feast of the home and of children, the feast of love and friendship. It is more than all of these together. Christmas is Christ, the Christ of justice and charity, on freedom and peace." —Francis Cardinal Spellman “

"Christmas is a season of hope and joy, a time to give thanks for the blessing of Christ's birth..." —President Bush

[indcons]

Merry Christmas to all the American heroes who are fighting for freedom and democracy.

Merry Christmas to the friendly folks at the FReeper Canteen. You are some on the nicest folks I have met here. May God bless y'all.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

From the men in the Military and the Canteen

[MEG33]

Christmas Blessings to All Who Serve Our Country

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.

To our military readers, we remain steadfast in keeping the Canteen doors open.
The FR Canteen is Free Republics longest running daily thread specifically designed
to provide entertainment and morale support for the military.
The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.
We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.

[AZamericonnie]

LeeAnn Rimes~Amazing Grace

[Raffus]

Thank you for posting this! I want to thank each and every service man and women for their service. God bless our US military! Everything you said and more. I work with these folks and they are best in the world! 8) Merry Christmas!

[txradioguy]

Merry Christmas and God Bless all of my fellow Canteeners and their families!

[Cindy]

FROM THE BIBLE: LUKE 2:1-33

1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23. (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

24. And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25. And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28. Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31. Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

[Roverman2K]

I love our President, can anyone imagine Clinton or Kerry or even McCain including such a touching reference to god, especially on His Son's birthday.

No one is closer to God then a soldier in a foxhole that faces death at anytime.
God bless our 21st century Crusaders for Good and righteousness.

[Roverman2K]

Thank you for your service in a WAR that you won!

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Thanks for the thread tonk...I just returned from church where there were so many people in attendance that some people had to stand out side and participate... all of the churches in my area are over flowing with people.

We said a special prayer for the troops. God bless our men and women in uniform, our allies and all those Iraqis who strive for peace and freedom.

God bless them.

[La Enchiladita]

Holiday hugs to you, Tonkin!
It's Christmas!
Today's Canteen is absolutely beautiful!

"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us, a Son is given.
And the government shall be upon His shoulders.
And His name shall be call-ed:
Wonderful!
Counselor!
The Mighty God!
The Everlasting Father!
THE PRINCE OF PEACE!
And He shall reign
Forever and Ever!
Amen."

Thank you for always being here for our troops, proud Vietnam Vet.

[Pistov Elf]

Santa's Renegotiated Union Contract

Introducing Bubba Claus

Santa Claus	Bubba Claus

A new contract for Santa has finally been negotiated....

Please read the following carefully.......

I regret to inform you that, effective immediately, I will no longer be able to serve Southern United States on Christmas Eve. Due to the overwhelming current population of the earth, my contract was renegotiated by North American Fairies and Elves Local 209. I now serve only certain areas of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. As part of the new and better contract I also get longer breaks for milk and cookies so keep that in mind.

However, I'm certain that your children will be in good hands with your local replacement who happens to be my third cousin, Bubba Claus. His side of the family is from the South Pole. He shares my goal of delivering toys to all the good boys and girls; however, there are a few differences between us such as:

1. There is no danger of a Grinch stealing your presents from Bubba Claus. He has a gun rack on his sleigh and a bumper sticker that reads: "These toys insured by Smith and Wesson."

2. Instead of milk and cookies, Bubba Claus prefers that children leave an RC cola and pork rinds [or a moon pie] on the fireplace. And Bubba doesn't smoke a pipe. He dips a little snuff though, so please have an empty spit can handy. If your food is not to Bubba's liking, he may leave you a present as shown in the image above.

3. Bubba Claus' sleigh is pulled by floppy-eared, flyin' coon dogs instead of reindeer. I made the mistake of loaning him a couple of my reindeer one time, and Blitzen's head now overlooks Bubba's fireplace.

4. You won't hear "On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen ..." when Bubba Claus arrives. Instead, you'll hear, "On Earnhardt, on Wallace, on Martin and Labonte. On Rudd, on Jarrett, on Elliott and Petty."

5. "Ho, ho, ho!" has been replaced by "Yee Haw!" And you also are likely to hear Bubba's elves respond, "I her'd dat!"

6. As required by Southern highway laws, Bubba Claus' sleigh does have a > > Yosemite Sam safety triangle on the back with the words "Back off." The last I heard it also had other decorations on the sleigh back as well. One is a Ford or Chevy logo with lights that race through the letters and the other is a caricature of me (Santa Claus) going wee wee on the Tooth Fairy.

7. The usual Christmas movie classics such as "Miracle on 34th Street" and "It's a Wonderful Life" will not be shown in your negotiated viewing area. Instead, you'll see "Boss Hogg Saves Christmas" and "Smokey and the Bandit IV" featuring Burt Reynolds as Bubba Claus and dozens of state patrol cars crashing into each other.

8. Bubba Claus doesn't wear a belt. If I were you, I'd make sure you, the wife, and the kids turn the other way when he bends over to put presents under the tree.

9. And finally, lovely Christmas songs have been sung about me like "Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer" and Bing Crosby's "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." This year songs about Bubba Claus will be played on all the AM radio stations in the South. Those song title will be Mark Chesnutt's "Bubba Claus Shot the Jukebox" and "Grandma Got Run'd Over by a Reindeer.

Sincerely Yours,

Santa Claus

(member of North American Fairies and Elves Local 209)

Hopefully we can fix this by next year!!

To all my FReeper Friends!! Be seeing you!!!

Pistov