    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 51 (Monday, December 27, 1999)]
    [Pages 2652-2653]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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

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    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