[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[December 22, 2000]
[Page 2778]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 2778]]


Message on the Observance of Christmas, 2000
December 22, 2000

    Warm greetings to everyone celebrating Christmas.
    At this joyous season each year, we savor our treasured Christmas 
traditions: a favorite ornament placed carefully on the tree, candles in 
the windows, a wreath on the door, family and friends gathered to 
exchange not only material gifts, but also the gifts of love and 
laughter. But amidst all these traditions, we remember that the true 
message of Christmas is in the Child whose birth we celebrate--the 
living proof of God's mercy and unending love. Christ's message of 
renewal and reconciliation is as fresh and powerful today as it was on 
that first Christmas two thousand years ago.
    For Americans of many faiths, this is a season of renewal--of light 
shining through the darkness, of despair transformed to hope. This year, 
Christmas is celebrated during the same week as Jews celebrate Hanukkah 
and Muslims celebrate the Eid Al-Fitr--a powerful and moving reminder 
that followers of the three Abrahamic faiths share fundamental values: a 
reverence for our Creator, a belief in human dignity, and a conviction 
that we must love our neighbors as ourselves. By building on these 
shared values, we can create a future where all God's children live 
together in peace and understanding.
    As Hillary, Chelsea, and I enjoy our last Christmas in the White 
House, we extend best wishes to all for a wonderful celebration and for 
peace and happiness in the years to come.

                                                            Bill Clinton