At the National Tree Lighting, Trump Hails a Different Symbol - the Cross, 'a Powerful Reminder of the Meaning of Christmas'

By Alex Parker | 7:44 PM on December 06, 2019

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*[Screenshot from CBS News, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AJwT50QDdg]*

On Friday, the President and First Lady attended the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. And in his address, the Commander-in-Chief hailed an altogether different holiday symbol — the cross — as a “powerful reminder of the meaning of Christmas.”

Trump addressed the large crowd gathered on the Ellipse:

“In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas tree.”

If I may say so, I’m grateful for the wonderful tradition. In my view, the president is in great part a figurehead. And while I wish schools would focus on academia and government in general was concentrate on getting things done, it’s an important part of the Executive Office to, when possible, bring Americans together in warm ways. And Christmas is an important time of family and togetherness in America. It’s a magical time of year, and I’m glad the White House takes part.

But Trump had more to say, and it went beyond that of the “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” sort:

“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.”

The President went on to recount the story of Jesus’s birth:

“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. 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 Leader of the Free World noted Christ’s lesson of love:

“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.”

Trump spread the joy — of gratitude and the wonder of the season:

“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.”

Now that’s a presidential message.

“On behalf of Melania and our entire family,” he said, “Merry Christmas, and God bless you all.”