At the annual lighting of the national Christmas tree, President Trump said Thursday evening the holiday reminds Americans that “each one of us is a child of God.”
“Whatever our beliefs, we know that the birth of Jesus Christ and the story of this incredible life forever changed the course of human history,” Mr. Trump told a crowd along the National Mall near the White House. “Each one of us is a child of God. That is the true source of joy this time of the year. That is what makes every Christmas merry.”
To cheers from the audience, Mr. Trump declared, “Now as the president of the United States, it’s my tremendous honor to finally wish America and the world a very Merry Christmas.”
Co-hosts Dean Cain and Kathie Lee Gifford were with the president and first lady Melania Trump as the switch lit up the Christmas tree, adorned in blue and yellow lights. The musical program included the Beach Boys singing “Little Saint Nick” and the Texas Tenors with “O Holy Night.”
The president said the Christmas story began 2,000 years ago with “the most extraordinary gift of God’s love for all of humanity.”
“For Christians this is a holy season, the celebration of the birth of our lord and savior Jesus Christ,” he said. “We are called to serve one another, to love one another, and to pursue peace in our hearts and all throughout the world.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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