Season's greetings from the House
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December 24, 2013 |
By U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador
Every
year, on Christmas, we gather with friends and
family to celebrate a tradition that spans 2,000
years; inspires millions of Americans and
billions of people around the world; and brings
out the greatest joys of life – a sense of
meaning, a spirit of generosity and kindness,
and a conviction we are all connected in ways
that we can hardly imagine.
This week, I will be celebrating Christmas with
my wife, Becca, and our five children.
Like so many other families across Idaho, my
family will gather around the Christmas tree,
exchange gifts, reflect on the significance on
this amazing day, and reflect on the many
blessings we have enjoyed over the past year.
As we get closer to New Year’s Day, we will also
set goals for the year ahead and look ahead to
the future with a sense of optimism and purpose.
As Americans, we are blessed to live in a
country that honors freedom of religion, so that
every American is able to celebrate Christmas or
whichever holiday undergirds their faith.
In fact, freedom of religion is one of the
founding principles of our country – the very
first amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Every
person – in America and throughout the world –
has a basic human right to practice their faith
without fear of government interference.
That right has been cherished throughout
American history, and we must never take it for
granted.
As your Representative, I also want to say that
I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve
you in Congress.
I am humbled by the responsibilities you have
given me, and I want you to know that I work
every day to be worthy of your trust. I look
forward to representing you in 2014, working
with you to defend our Constitution and honor
our spiritual heritage.
I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas
and a wondrous holiday season. This is truly the
time of year in which families become closer
together and memories are formed that last a
lifetime. It is my hope that you are able to
enjoy the gifts of faith, hope, and love that
define this time of year.
And it is my prayer that the spirit of goodwill
that we experience during this joyous season
will continue with us through the coming year.
May you and your family have a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year! |
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