WASHINGTON – With Congress in gridlock and stocks taking a fall, President Barack Obama issued a stern summons to lawmakers Friday to pass legislation to prevent year-end fiscal cliff tax increases on millions and avoid an imminent expiration of benefits for the long term unemployed.

Republican House Speaker John Boehner said Obama himself must give more ground to reach an agreement. He added, “How we get there, God only knows.”

Congress was shutting down, and Obama was headed to Hawaii to join his family for the holidays. But both men indicated they’d be back working to beat the fast-approaching Jan. 1 deadline with an agreement between Christmas and New Year’s.