President Bush visits birthplace of Christ

Jan 10, 2008 / 09:44 am

This morning after visiting the Church of the Nativity on a one day visit to Palestine, President Bush thanked the government for the opportunity to visit the birthplace of Christ and reflected on its significance.

Bush began his remarks by thanking the government for their hospitality and emphasizing the significance of the region.  “It’s been a moving moment for me and the delegation to be here at the Church of the Nativity.  For those of us who practice the Christian faith, there's really no more holy site than the place where our Savior was born.”

He continued by underlining the fascinating history of the church.  “Not only was my soul uplifted, my knowledge of history was enriched.

“I want to thank the people of Bethlehem for enduring a presidential trip -- I know it's been inconvenient for you.  I very much appreciate your tolerating my entourage,” he said.

“Some day I hope that as a result of a formation of a Palestinian state there won't be walls and checkpoints, that people will be able to move freely in a democratic state.  That's the vision, greatly inspired by my belief that there is an Almighty, and a gift of that Almighty to each man, woman and child on the face of the Earth is freedom.  And I felt it strongly here today,” President Bush related.