    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [December 22, 1997]
    [Pages 1819-1820]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of Christmas, 1997
    December 22, 1997

        Warm greetings to everyone celebrating Christmas.
        At this time of year, when the nights grow longer and often colder,
    our lives are brightened and our hearts warmed by the lights of
    Christmas. So much light surrounds our memories and celebration of
    Christmas: candlelight in the windows, colored lights twinkling on the
    tree,

    [[Page 1820]]

    children's faces lit with a joy that is reflected in their parents'
    eyes. The beloved Christmas story itself is a story of light, for, as
    the Gospel of John tells us, Jesus came into the world as ``the true
    Light'' that illumines all humankind.
        Almost 2,000 years later, that Light still shines amid the dark
    places of our world. It is reflected in the lives of so many quiet and
    generous people who strive daily to make life better for others--feeding
    the hungry, caring for the ill and elderly, cherishing and nurturing
    children. It radiates from the hearts of those who work for peace and
    justice in their communities, our nation, and the world. It shines in
    the efforts of men and women striving to break down the walls of fear,
    ignorance, and prejudice that cast shadows across too many lives and
    prevent us from becoming the people God intended us to be.
        May all who celebrate Christmas this year rejoice in the special
    gifts of light that it brings: the love that warms our hearts, the faith
    that lights our journey, and the hope that promises us a bright future.
    Hillary and I wish you joy and peace during this Christmas season and
    much happiness in the New Year.

                                                                Bill Clinton