For the third year in a row, Lawrence’s Hallmark Cards plant was chosen to produce, arguably, the most prestigious Christmas card in the world.

Hallmark officials announced Thursday that its Lawrence plant, 101 McDonald Drive, had completed work on the official White House Christmas card for the first family.

The plant printed 1.5 million of the cards, which were shipped last month to the White House and mailed this week to foreign dignitaries, members of Congress and friends of the Bush family.

“The Lawrence plant is the best facility we have in terms of producing the quantity and quality that the White House expects,” said Deidre Parkes, a spokeswoman with Kansas City, Mo.-based Hallmark.

Parkes said the project typically provided a boost to the approximately 800 employees at the plant.

“It is kind of a morale thing for them,” Parkes said. “They’re putting their hands on something that is pretty special and pretty rare. I know that I don’t get one, and not many people ever get to see one.”

This year’s card features an original work by artist Barbara Ernst Prey of Long Island, N.Y. The painting depicts the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House.

The message inside the card reads: “‘You have granted me life and loving kindness; and your care has preserved my spirit.’ Job 10:12 May you celebrate the joys of faith, family and friendship this holiday season and always. 2003.”

In addition to producing greeting cards, the 650,000-square-foot Lawrence plant also manufactures ribbons, bows, invitations and stickers.

This year's presidential Christmas card, which was made at Lawrence's Hallmark Cards plant, depicts the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House.