A Christmas Message from President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill, 1941
[President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) delivering a fireside chat. Photo by MPI/Getty Images.]
*Editor’s Note: The following is President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s message to the American people, delivered just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He then introduced Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who had traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with his key American ally and plan for the coming war effort.*
Fellow workers for freedom:
Many sincere and faithful Americans are asking themselves this Christmas: How can we celebrate amidst a world at war, a world of fighting, suffering, and death? How can we pause, even for a day, in our urgent task of arming ourselves against the enemy? How can we set aside the world’s troubles to rejoice in the birth of Christ, as in peaceful years past? These are natural and inevitable questions, echoing throughout the world resisting evil.
Yet, even as we ask these questions, we know the answer. Beyond the preparation of weapons and materials, we must prepare our hearts; we must arm our hearts. When we ready our hearts for the labor, suffering, and ultimate victory ahead, we can then observe Christmas Day—with all its memories and meanings—as we should.
Looking ahead, I have declared a national day of prayer, stating in that proclamation: “The year 1941 has brought upon our Nation a war of aggression… The new year of 1942 calls for the courage and resolution of all to win this world struggle… We are confident in our devotion to country and freedom, but our strength is greater with God’s upholding.” Therefore, I appointed January 1st, 1942, as a day of prayer, for forgiveness, consecration, and divine help.
We need God’s guidance to be humble in spirit yet strong in conviction, steadfast to endure sacrifice, and brave in achieving victory for liberty and peace. Our strongest weapon is the conviction of the dignity and brotherhood of man—a conviction Christmas Day signifies above all else. Against enemies who preach and practice hate, we set our faith in human love and God’s care for all mankind.
It is with this spirit, and with special thought for our sons and brothers serving in the armed forces, that we light our Christmas candles this Christmas Eve, from coast to coast. We have joined many nations in a great cause. Millions have defended good with their lives for months and years. One of their great leaders stands beside me. He and his people, like us, celebrate Christmas with their children. They have shown the way in courage and sacrifice for the sake of children everywhere.
And so, I ask my associate, my old and good friend, to address the American people tonight: Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Fellow workers in the cause of freedom:
I have the honor to add to the Christmas goodwill that the President has just extended to the homes and families of the United States. Though I spend this festival far from my country and family, I do not feel far from home. Whether it be ties of blood, long-standing friendships, or the comradeship of our common cause, I feel a sense of unity and fraternal association here in the United States. I feel I have a right to sit at your fireside and share your Christmas joys.
This is a strange Christmas Eve. The world is locked in deadly struggle. Nations, armed with terrible weapons, advance upon each other. It is well that we are sure that no greed, ambition, or lust for material gain has led us to this war. Here, amidst war raging across lands and seas, we have tonight the peace of the spirit in every generous heart.
Therefore, let us cast aside our cares and dangers, at least for this night, and give the children an evening of happiness. Let each home in the English-speaking world be a brightly-lighted island of happiness and peace. Let the children have their fun and laughter. Let us share in their joy before we return to the stern tasks ahead, resolved that these children shall not be robbed of their inheritance or denied their right to live in a free and decent world.
And so, in God’s mercy, a happy Christmas to you all. May you all have a very happy holiday season and here’s to a bright New Year.
(Source: Minnesota Reformer, December 25, 2024)
(Note: The original source and publication details have been preserved.)