[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
[December 21, 1999]
[Page 2327]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Message on the Observance of Christmas, 1999
December 21, 1999

    Warm greetings to everyone celebrating Christmas.
    Saint Matthew's Gospel tells us that, on the first Christmas 2000 
years ago, a bright star shone vividly in the eastern sky, heralding the 
birth of Jesus and the beginning of His hallowed mission as teacher, 
healer, servant, and savior. Jesus' birth in poverty proclaimed the 
intrinsic dignity and brotherhood of all humanity, and His luminous 
teachings have brought hope and joy to generations of believers. Today, 
as the world stands at the dawn of a new millennium, His timeless 
message of God's enduring and unconditional love for each and every 
person continues to strengthen and inspire us.
    During this blessed season and the Jubilee Year it inaugurates, let 
us share the gift of God's love by giving of ourselves and by sharing 
generously with those in need. Let us reach out to those who are 
different from us, yet one in the human family, by living the profound 
and universal lesson Jesus taught us: that we are to love our neighbors 
as ourselves. Let us, like Jesus, become true peacemakers, bringing the 
gift of peace to our homes, our schools, our communities, and our 
nation. And let us continue to reach out when and where we can to give 
new hope to the most impoverished and to help resolve conflicts, both 
ancient and new, in regions around the world.
    Love, peace, joy, hope--so many beautiful words are woven through 
our Christmas songs and prayers and traditions. As we celebrate this 
last Christmas of the 20th century, let us resolve to build a future 
where all people learn to love one another and to live together in 
harmony; where our children know true joy; and where our hopes for 
peace, freedom, and prosperity for all are finally realized.
    Hillary joins me in extending best wishes for a wonderful Christmas 
celebration and every happiness in the new year.

                                                            Bill Clinton