JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon today shared the following Christmas message with their fellow Missourians.

“As we reflect on this past year in Missouri, the themes of faith and helping those in need have been very much on the minds and in the hearts of many in our state in 2011,” Gov. Nixon said. “Missourians are a caring and giving people. We saw how they shared generously when the need was greatest, whether that was to help those in Joplin recover after the tornado, to rebuild homes and farms lost to floods, to give comfort to those with family members in the military, or to look after those struggling to make ends meet. We are very proud of how, with the help of God, Missourians have shown such a resolute spirit.”

“The message of Christmas is one of peace, hope and joy, as it has been for two thousand years,” Mrs. Nixon said. “As we give thanks for our own families and our many blessings, please take the time to share those blessings with others, so that they also may know the peace, hope and joy of this holiday season.”

“From our family to yours, Georganne and I extend our best wishes for a safe, happy and healthy Christmas season, and a 2012 that will be filled with joy and peace,” Gov. Nixon said. “May God continue to bless our great state of Missouri.”