Robert Warren Schaffer

“ Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Let no pleasure tempt thee, no profit allure thee, no ambition corrupt thee, no example sway thee, no persuasion move thee to do anything which thou knowest to be evil. So shalt thou live jollily, for a good conscience is a continual Christmas." ”

“ First designated a national holiday in religious terms in 1789, presidential orders and Congressional proclamations have firmly restated the importance of Christmas ever since. Our nation's greatest leaders have always found inspiration in the hope of the Christ Child and the grace of God. ”

“ In orders later issued at Valley Forge, Washington told troops, "To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest Glory to laud the more distinguished character of Christian."
Col. John Laurens, the General's aide, wrote of "those dear, ragged Continentals whose patience will be the admiration of future ages." Indeed, to this day, Americans take great inspiration from Valley Forge. The Providential source of the troops' valor is a timeless lesson in faith providing further support for the message of Christmas. ”