President Ronald Reagan had a way of connecting with the American people that was unlike most presidents in our nation’s history.
“The Great Communicator” had a way putting things that even kept his enemies at bay.
In his first Christmas address as president in 1981, his love of country was on full display.
Watch the full address below.
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President Reagan Said We Experience Christmas ‘In Our Hearts’
“The Nativity story of nearly twenty centuries ago is known by all faiths as a hymn to the brotherhood of man,” Reagan said.
The president added, “For Christians, it is the fulfillment of age-old prophecies and the reaffirmation of God’s great love for all of us. Through a generous Heavenly Father’s gift of His Son, hope and compassion entered a world weary with fear and despair and changed it for all time.”
“On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ with prayer, feasting, and great merriment,” Reagan continued.
“But, most of all, we experience it in our hearts,” the president emphasized.
“We all know that this Christmas is not as happy for some Americans as it could be …But we shall live with the hope and the promise of the man of Galilee that Christmases will be better and that we will have peace and good will among men.” – Ronald Reagan pic.twitter.com/L2KHiO0XU0
— The Reagan Foundation and Institute (@RonaldReagan) December 17, 2020
‘Christmas Is A State Of Mind’
For Reagan, Christmas was more than just another holiday.
“For, more than just a day, Christmas is a state of mind,” he said.
Reagan went on, “It is present when men of any creed bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man. The feeling is seen in the wondrous faces of children and in the hopeful eyes of the aged.”
“It overflows the hearts of cheerful givers and the souls of the caring. And it is reflected in the brilliant colors, joyful sounds, and beauty of the winter season,” he said.
“Like the National Christmas Tree, our country is a living, growing thing planted in rich American soil. Only our devoted care can bring it to full flower. So, let this holiday season be for us a time of rededication.” – Ronald Reagan pic.twitter.com/sGuJQztJE9
— Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute (@RonaldReagan) December 25, 2019
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Merry Christmas From Ronald And Nancy Reagan
Ronald and First Lady Nancy Reagan then asked Americans to join them in prayer on this holy day.
“Let us resolve to honor this spirit of Christmas and strive to keep it throughout the year,” Reagan said.
“Nancy and I ask you to join us in a prayer that prudence, wisdom, and understanding might descend on the people of all nations — so that during the year ahead we may realize an ancient and wondrous dream: peace on earth, goodwill toward men.”
Merry Christmas!
Watch the address here: