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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release December 23, 1998

                         VIDEOTAPED REMARKS BY 
                     THE PRESIDENT AND MRS. CLINTON 
                   IN CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO THE NATION

                     The Diplomatic Reception Room
                            The White House

THE PRESIDENT: On this joyous occasion, Hillary and I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. As we gather around our Christmas trees and dinner tables, let's take the time to give thanks for the blessings of the year just passed, to rejoice in our children, to enjoy the company of family and friends.

And as we approach the feast of light, I'd like also to send a special greeting to all the brave men and women in uniform serving our country in lands far from home. You're in our thoughts and our prayers. On behalf of all Americans, I thank you for the greatest gift of the season: for protecting our nation and safeguarding the freedom we all hold dear.

MRS. CLINTON: Christmas reminds us that the values we share should far outweigh whatever differences there are among people. The twinkle of a child's eye, the joy of a grandmother's laughter, the love in the hearts of mothers and fathers for their children -- all these blessings should be unwrapped on Christmas morning and then lived throughout the year.

THE PRESIDENT: May the spirit of the season be with you today and throughout the new year. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and God bless you all.

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