President Obama yesterday delivered remarks (
full text) at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on The Ellipse. He said in part:
each year, we have gathered here. Each year we’ve come together to celebrate a story that has endured for two millennia. It’s a story that's dear to Michelle and me as Christians, but it's a message that's universal: A child was born far from home to spread a simple message of love and redemption to every human being around the world.
It's a message that says no matter who we are or where we are from, no matter the pain we endure or the wrongs we face, we are called to love one another as brothers and as sisters....On behalf of Malia, Sasha, Michelle, Marian -- who’s our grandmother-in-chief -- (laughter) -– and Bo -- don't forget Bo -- (applause) -- I wish all of you a merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season.
