At Christmas, Rep.
Mike Pence Honors America’s Faith & Traditions
Washington, Dec 23 -
Delivering the
Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) marks Christmas by encouraging
all Americans to find renewed strength in the faith and traditions of one
another and the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. Rep. Pence
represents Indiana’s Sixth Congressional District.
“Hello, I’m Mike Pence
and I have the privilege of representing Indiana in our nation's Capitol.
“It’s Christmas Eve and
if your family is anything like mine, today means last minute shopping, wrapping
presents, and traveling to be with loved ones.
“For most here in
Indiana, it's about family, hearth and home, dreaming of a white Christmas,
children squinting through frosted windows to catch a glimpse of wonder in the
night sky.
“For some of you, it
will be a holiday on the beach or in the mountains, a candlelight service,
midnight mass or a quiet gathering with friends.
“For our family,
Christmas is a time when we reflect on our faith, on a promise fulfilled in a
little town called Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago with the humble birth of
the Prince of Peace.
“Americans from all
walks of life will celebrate the holidays in their own unique way, in accordance
with their own beliefs and traditions.
“But while many of us
are blessed to enter this season surrounded by loved ones with most of our needs
met, too many will greet this season with heartache.
“For far too many in
America, these are difficult times. Some of our neighbors, family and
friends are struggling to make ends meet despite their best efforts, unable to
find work in this difficult economy.
“This holiday season,
let’s all make a special effort to come alongside these families in their time
of need and support local charities as they provide for the needs across our
communities. Let’s also make a point to personally reach out to that
neighbor or friend who needs a helping hand, a kind greeting or an invitation -
it might be just the gift someone needed most.
“And let's not forget
those who serve in uniform at home and abroad.
“It was during another
Christmas season in 1776, that a bold general led his weary army across the
Delaware River on Christmas night. That night, George Washington won a
battle that turned out to be a defining moment in the history of our still young
nation.
“This night let us not
forget those who still stand in harm’s way far from home so we can enjoy this
season in peace and freedom.
“Even as one conflict
draws to a close and joyful homecomings abound, let’s also remember the empty
chair at every holiday table for those who won’t be with family this year by
virtue of their service and sacrifice for our freedom.
“For all our soldiers
and their beloved families, I pray they find peace and comfort in the true
meaning of Christmas.
“These are challenging
times in the life of this nation, but for all the challenges we face, we can
still find renewed strength in the faith and traditions of those who have gone
before.
“‘For unto us a child
is born, unto us a son is given.’
“From my house to your
house: May God bless you and your family with a joyous holiday season.
Thank you for listening and Merry Christmas.”