WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush urged Americans Saturday to spend Christmas "appreciating more than ever the things that matter most - our families, our friends and our faith."

And to those serving in the military campaign in Afghanistan, he said: "We owe them much."

"The year now ending saw a few acts of terrible evil," Bush said. "It also saw many more acts of courage and kindness and love. And these reflect the great hope of Christmas - a light shines in the darkness and the darkness shall not overcome it."

Bush took part in an Olympic torch relay ceremony on the White House lawn Saturday, then departed with his wife and twin daughters for an extended holiday weekend at Camp David. The Bushes will head to their ranch in Crawford, Texas, after Christmas.

In the address, the president lauded Congress for approving education reforms, tax relief and various measures to protect the country from future terrorism, but lamented the Senate's failure to agree on an economic stimulus plan.

"I'm hopeful that the positive spirit of bipartisan accomplishment that guided much of this year's success will prevail when Congress returns early next year," he said.

"This Christmas comes just months after a great national loss," Bush said. "We find ourselves appreciating more than ever the things that matter most - our families, our friends and our faith. We count our blessings, and we remember all those who feel loss, separation and need."

In the Democrats' weekly broadcast, the senior member of the party's New York congressional delegation predicted the United States will weather the challenge presented by the attacks as it has during other trying times in its history.

"We are a strong people and, even as the tears flow, we are determined to hold our families together, rebuild our city and our nation and set an example for the free world that we will never give in to terrorists,'' Rep. Charles Rangel said.

But, in a reference to the thwarted economic stimulus plan, Rangel said the nation's leaders have a responsibility to deal with the ailing economy without caving in to special interests.

"We just ask that the same level of energy that we invest in putting up the flag and protecting it must be applied to protecting the economic security of the millions of Americans who have worked hard every day, and are now out of work through no fault of their own,'' Rangel said. "Putting aside the small differences that separate us and helping those in need is what the holiday season is all about."