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.
“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.”