World Leaders take time for reflection and thanks.

Pope Decries Selfishness in Economic Crisis

The Associated Press
December 26, 2008

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict warns that the world is headed toward ruin if selfishness prevails amid tough economic times.

The pope's annual Christmas message touched on the gloomy economic conditions affecting many countries. He said the birth of Jesus should "remind the world where its true happiness lies." And he warned that "our world will certainly fall apart" if people don't look beyond their own self-interests.

Benedict spoke of violence and tensions in the Holy Land, which he plans to visit in May, lamenting that "the horizon seems once again bleak for Israelis and Palestinians."

The pope also dedicated part of his message to Africa, singling out Zimbabwe, Sudan and other war-torn countries in the midst of humanitarian crises.

Pope Decries Selfishness in Economic Crisis

CBNNews.com
December 24, 2008

CBNNews.com - It's President George W. Bush's last Christmas in offfice. He and his family will celebrate the birth of Christ at Camp David with his parents and children. The family will feast on roast turkey, cornbread dressing and all the fixings.

Before he left for the mountains, he recorded his weekly radio address saying that his last Christmas as President was a time to reflect.

"As years pass by, we often forget about the gifts and the parties. But we often remember special moments with families and friends," Bush said.

He also asked Americans to take some time to remember the men and women serving in the military.

"Our enemies do not take holidays," Bush said. "So the members of our armed forces stand ready to protect our freedom at any hour. For their service, they have the thanks of a grateful nation - this Christmas and always."

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Romans 1:8

Queen Elizabeth Cites Jesus' Example in Christmas Broadcast

The Associated Press
December 26, 2008

LONDON - Britain's Queen Elizabeth says Jesus Christ's teachings and example are especially relevant in these hard economic times.

In her annual Christmas message, the queen noted that Jesus -- "often in circumstances of great adversity -- managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life."

Elizabeth, who as queen is also head of the Church of England, said Jesus showed "that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving than receiving; more in serving than in being served."

She counted herself among those who "find in him a source of strength and courage."

O.B. Helps Bethlehem Christians

By Chris Mitchell
CBN News Mideast Bureau Chief
December 23, 2008

CBNNews.com - BETHLEHEM, Israel -- CBN News recently went to Bethlehem to find out how some Christians are celebrating Christmas with the help of CBN's Operation Blessing.

Recently, more than 800 Christians from Bethlehem and surrounding towns gathered for a Christmas celebration. Pastor Stephen Khoury hosted the event.

"This celebration means so much to Christians in Bethlehem," Khoury said. "This celebration is a reminder there is hope," he said. "A reminder there is joy. A reminder there is a new tomorrow and this is through the teaching and the love of Jesus Christ."

CBN's Operation Blessing helped make the celebration possible. "To all the partners of CBN, to those who pray and to those that give and those that even come to take part of our programs, I want to thank you on behalf of my people, on behalf of our children, on behalf of our youth," Khoury said.

"I want to thank you for every prayer, every dollar that give to make this possible," he said. "It's the faces and the smiles and the lives that are changed through your giving."

The event also honored the mother of Rami Ayyad, who was martyred last year in Gaza. In the midst of persecution, the celebration reminded these believers of their unique calling.

"The reminder number one that Jesus Christ was born right here in the city of Bethlehem," Khoury explained.

"It's a reminder that Christ chose out of the whole world, he chose this little town of Bethlehem."