President Obama's Remarks at 32nd Annual CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON

Oscar nominee, three-time Emmy winner and Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman hosted TNT's annual holiday spectacular Christmas in Washington. Jackman introduced this year's lineup of musical performers, including Backstreet Boys, Sheryl Crow, Anna Kendrick, Janelle Monae and Pat Monahan. In addition, the concert featured a special guest appearance by NBA Hall of Famer and analyst for TNT's Inside the NBA Charles Barkley. The star-studded Christmas in Washington will premiere Friday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), exclusively on TNT.

Below are remarks by President Barack Obama made yesterday at 32ND "CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON" broadcast:

Thank you. Well, merry Christmas, everybody! I want to thank our host, Hugh Jackman, for keeping our safety in mind and leaving Wolverine's claws at home. (Laughter.) It can't be easy to wrap presents with those things. (Laughter.) Good for carving the "roast beast," though. (Laughter.)

I want to thank all the incredible performers for sharing their talents and their holiday spirit with us tonight. And we appreciate the whole team at Time Warner and the National Building Museum who make it possible for our fellow Americans to enjoy these evenings' performances.

Every year, we mark the holiday season with celebrations and good cheer. And I should remind my girls that I like getting Christmas presents as much as anybody. (Laughter.) But this is also a time to remember the story of a child born to two faithful travelers on a holy night, long ago.

The sacred birth of Jesus Christ was God's gift to man on Earth. And through His example, He taught us that we should love the Lord, love our neighbors, as we love ourselves. It's a teaching that has endured for generations. And today, it lies at the heart of my faith and that of millions of Americans, and billions around the globe.

No matter who we are, or where we come from, or how we worship, it's a message of hope and devotion that can unite all of us this holiday season. It compels all of us to reach out and help our less fortunate citizens -- our poor, our sick, our neighbors in need -- and to serve those who sacrifice so much on our behalf.

And that's why tonight's celebration benefits the Children's National Medical Center and all the children whose lives they touch and save -- including all the little elves who are here tonight.

And that's why, with our men and women in uniform serving far from home, in harm's way, we thank them as well and their families, and we wish -- this holiday season and all seasons -- for peace on Earth.

To all Americans, from our family to yours -- God bless you, and have a very merry Christmas.

About CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON:

Celebrating its 32nd anniversary this year, Christmas in Washington is a holiday tradition benefiting the Children's National Health System. The concert is attended each year by the President and First Lady, as well as many other Washington VIPs. This will mark TNT's 15th year presenting Christmas in Washington, which will be taped at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, Dec. 15. The 25-time Emmy-winning team of George Stevens, Jr. and Michael Stevens are the show's producers.

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!