U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is urging Americans to renew a sense of common purpose this holiday season.

President-elect Barack Obama

Mr. Obama says everyone must do their part to "serve one another," "seek new ideas" and "start a new chapter" for the country.

The president-elect delivered his call to action Wednesday, Christmas eve, in a radio and online video message to honor Christmas and the holiday season.

He said these are "tough times" for many Americans struggling in the "sluggish economy," and that people coming together will help see the United States through the crisis.

Mr. Obama also called on Americans to continue to support U.S. troops fighting abroad.  He called their service an "extraordinary and selfless sacrifice" and an "inspiration to us all." 

Some information for this report was provided by AFP.