When President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump joined for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. Thursday night, they told a large crowd that the birth of Jesus Christ is the true meaning of the holiday.
A Grand White House Tradition Rooted in Faith
“In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas tree,” Trump said, according to a transcript of his comments 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.”
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WATCH: Trump Says The Cross Is ‘A Powerful Reminder Of The Meaning Of Christmas’. To Make America Merry Again, Trump delivered a powerful message about the birth of Jesus Christ as he addressed the crowd during the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. https://t.co/1Py80PJqc0
— Randy Bell (@RandyMBell) December 6, 2019
Trump noted that the Christmas tree lighting ceremony was started in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge, when he lit a 48-foot fir tree while accompanied by a U.S. Marine Band. This year, President Trump lit a 30-foot evergreen tree at the White House decorated with 450 white star ornaments and over 50,000 lights.
‘Christians give thanks that the Son of God came into the world to save humanity’
During the ceremony, Trump told the nativity story of Jesus Christ.
“More than two thousand years ago, a brilliant star shown in the east,” he said.
“Wise men traveled far and they came and they stood under the star where they found the Holy Family, in Bethlehem,” Trump added, citing St. Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth.
“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 worshipped Him,” the president continued. “Christians give thanks that the Son of God came into the world to save humanity. Jesus Christ inspires us to love one another with hearts full of generosity and grace.”
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During the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony Trump & Melania tear up. Moments later, Trump stood up and said that Christmas is truly the celebration of the wonderful Jesus Christ. Blessed be his name! That is OUR President. Thank you God #MerryChristmashttps://t.co/qJ1S64SY27
— Steve Sanchez (@influx_Divine) December 5, 2019
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Trump Thanks the Salvation Army
Trump also recognized and thanked volunteers and military members who serve American families during the Christmas season, particularly the efforts of the Salvation Army.
“Each year through their Angel Tree program, the Salvation Army brings new gifts to more than 600,000 children” Trump noted.
“At Christmas we remember this eternal truth: Every person is a beloved child of God,” the president added. “As one grateful nation we praise the joy of family, the blessings of freedom, and the miracle of Christmas.”
“On behalf of Melania and our entire family, Merry Christmas, and God bless you all,” Trump concluded.