'Jesus Christ inspires us to love one another,' says Trump at National Tree Lighting Ceremony

Donald Trump with his wife Melania at the National Tree Lighting Ceremony (Photo: White House)

It was all about Jesus at the 97th National Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington DC on Thursday.

President Donald Trump wished everyone a "Merry Christmas" as his wife Melania pressed the button to light up the stunning tree next to the White House. 

The giant Christmas tree is a Colorado Spruce rising up 30ft and spectacularly adorned with 50,000 lights, as well as 450 stars.

During the ceremony, an annual festive highlight for many Americans, Trump also shared a few words about the meaning of Christmas, starting with the story of Jesus' birth recorded in the Bible. 

"As the Bible tells us, when the Wise Men had come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and worshipped him," he said. 

"Jesus Christ inspires us to love one another, with hearts full of generosity and grace."

But he also spoke about the original tree lighting ceremony back in 1923 under President Calvin Coolidge. He shared how after that ceremony, African Americans held an outdoor worship service with a cross lit up on the side of the nearby Washington Monument. 

There was also a touch of faith in the music, too, with Christian singers Colton Dixon and The Voice contestant Spensha Baker both performing. 

And a few Christians in the audience got a special mention from Trump before the end of the ceremony, including the heads of The Salvation Army and Pastor Obed Jauregui, of Bethany Church in Nazarene, Florida. 

Near the end of his speech, he said: "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 freedom. On behalf of Melania and our entire family, merry Christmas and God bless you all."

News
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians. 

Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment

The first openly gay Archbishop of Wales says her appointment has caused some people to leave the Church in Wales.