Photo: Courtesy
By Male Marvin & News Agencies
50,000 lights illuminated President’s Park in Washington, D.C. on Thursday night as U.S President Trump helped light the National Christmas Tree.
Joined by First Lady Melania Trump, the President drew a connection between Jesus Christ’s humble birth and the cross, which he noted is ‘a powerful reminder of the meaning of Christmas.’
“In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas tree,” President Trump started his speech, as reported by LifeSiteNews. “Later that night, African-American community centers held an outdoor worship service on these grounds, and during that service the Washington Monument was illuminated with a beautiful cross, a powerful reminder of the meaning of Christmas.”
“More than two thousand years ago, a brilliant star shown in the east. Wise men traveled far and they came and they stood under the star where they found the Holy Family, in Bethlehem,” he continued. “As the Bible tells us, when the wise men had come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.”
“Christians give thanks that the Son of God came into the world to save humanity,” he said. “Jesus Christ inspires us to love one another with hearts full of generosity and grace.”
President Trump concluded: “At Christmas we remember this eternal truth: Every person is a beloved child of God. As one grateful nation we praise the joy of family, the blessings of freedom, and the miracle of Christmas.”
The tree was planted and decorated by employees of the National Parks Service and the Department of the Interior. 30 feet tall, the tree was covered by 50,000 warm white lights and 450 giant white star ornaments, the Associated Press reports.
Joining the U.S President in celebrating the 97th year of the National Christmas Tree lighting, was the U.S. Marine Core band, the Tucson, Arizona Boys Choir, the West Tennessee Youth Chorus, and representatives from the Salvation Army.
According to the AP, James Decker, Spensha Baker, Colton Dixon, the Air Force rock band Max Impact and Chevel Shepherd also all performed at the tree lighting.
The first National Tree was lit on Christmas Eve in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge. 3,000 spectators came out that night to watch the illumination of the 48-foot balsam fir.
