The following is excerpted from the Church Newsroom. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
The 2023 Washington D.C. Temple Festival of Lights is officially underway. Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was joined by the Philippines Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, to turn on more than 400,000 Christmas lights that surround the house of the Lord in the nation’s capital. Attendees included distinguished ambassadors, diplomats, and other government officials and their families.
In addition to the Christmas lights (from 4:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST through January 1, 2024), visitors will see Nativity créches and Christmas tree decorations from around the world. They can also enjoy a nightly holiday performance. Entrance and parking are free, and tickets are not required. The address is 9900 Stoneybrook Drive in Kensington, Maryland. The Festival of Lights opens to the public on November 30th.
“As we turn the lights on to illuminate these beautiful grounds, I want everyone to know that I believe with all my heart and soul that Jesus Christ came to earth to be the light in the world,” said Elder Renlund, a member of the second-highest governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “[Jesus] came to bring peace, love and joy. As an expression with my faith in him, I wish you all a very merry Christmas.”
After being introduced by Mike Lee, U.S. Senator from Utah, Mr. Ascalon said Tuesday’s lighting ceremony symbolizes the “enduring bond” between the Philippines and the Church of Jesus Christ.
“The Philippines proudly stands as the home to the fourth-largest population of Latter-day Saints globally,” Mr. Ascalon said. “The Church continues to be an essential part of the religious and humanitarian landscape of the Philippines.”
To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
