United in lights
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve, and Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Twelve delivered messages of peace and promise at the lighting ceremony of the annual Festival of Lights at the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors Center.
Addressing dignitaries from around the world on Nov. 28 and 29, including members of the U.S. Congress and 26 ambassadors, both apostles testified that Jesus Christ is the guiding light and Savior of mankind — that the spirit of Christ is born into every soul — and that all men are brothers because they are children of a loving Father in heaven.
Examining the symbolism of light as it relates to Christ's birth and resurrection, both President Packer and Elder Oaks portrayed a Heavenly Father who has a purpose for each person on earth.
"Our message to the world is that there is a plan.... There is a future," said Elder Oaks, noting that all are brothers and sisters, that the human soul is immortal, and that there is a way to return to Heavenly Father.
President Packer likewise discussed fathers, both in Heaven and on earth. He explained the Latter-day Saint belief in a pre-mortal existence and that each person is a "spirit son or daughter of a Heavenly Father, housed in a mortal body."
Then, asking the audience to consider the meaning of the word "Father," he suggested that it entails not just becoming a parent, but also being willing to sacrifice all for a beloved child.
"You'd give your life for your children," he said, comparing such love to that which Heavenly Father has for each of His own children.
The real spirit of Christmas, said President Packer, is understanding the Fatherhood of God and the role of the family. He counseled parents to teach their children to pray and advised everyone to treat Christmas as family time. Adults, he said, should try to "feel more like children," and to find "the little boy or girl" within themselves.
President Packer also reminded members of the audience that light testifies of the resurrection and that each man and woman needs the light of Christ to lead the path ahead.
"We must first walk into darkness alone, and then the light will turn on," he said.
30-Year Tradition
This year, the Festival of Lights celebrates its 30th anniversary as a popular Washington Christmas tradition. More than 450,000 lights make the temple grounds a yuletide beacon of peace, light and hope in the nation's capital, drawing more than 200,000 visitors during the holidays.
Nightly musical performances, international exhibits, and a live Nativity scene are free to the public until the new year.
The brilliantly colored lights strung by 700 volunteers over four months are turned on for the first time at the official lighting ceremony. His Excellency Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat, ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, was guest of honor for that event Nov. 28. A muslim, the ambassador said he believes the familiar holiday slogan of "peace on earth" can and should become a reality.
Throughout the evening, guests from the international community viewed exhibits about the Church, 84 international Nativities, and Christmas trees laden with dolls donated by embassies.
Three Ukrainian children were particularly delighted to find a scene of 18 dolls dressed in native, handmade costumes. The David Fairbanks family, dressed as 19th-century street singers, and Chris Brewer, the official greeter for the past 17 years, welcomed families as they arrived.
Afterwards, families strolled through a panoply of lights, visible for miles around the Washington beltway.
Many said it was an unforgettable experience.
"You can see it in the eyes of the children," said Ronen Sen, ambassador of India. He was impressed by the "uplifting spirit" created by beautiful sounds and sights which "awakened all the senses." As a Hindu, he said he appreciated the multicultural aspects of the event.
Elder J.W. Marriott Jr., an Area Seventy, hosted the event with his wife, Donna, as they have since 1977. Elder Nolan D. Archibald, an Area Seventy, offered the invocation. Ann Santini, Director of International Affairs for the Church, conducted. Together with the missionaries and Washington D.C. Temple Visitors Center Director William Child, they extended warm greetings of peace and love to each guest.
Cheryl Brown from Fiji said her family "feels so welcome here." His Excellency Andrejs Pildegovics, ambassador of the Republic of Latvia, appreciated the "exceptional hospitality" since he only recently arrived in the U.S. He added that his children sang "Jingle Bells" along with everyone else, albeit in Latvian.
Others, such as Kumari De Alwis of Sri Lanka, appreciate the energy and beauty of the festival. "As the dark of winter approaches," she laughed, "I come to be rejuvenated and awakened into the Christmas season."
Children and adults were moved by the Christmas music. Award-winning operatic soloist Lisa Hopkins Seegmiller accompanied the 96-voice Mormon Choir of Washington, under the direction of Gary Clawson.
At one point, children in the audience joined her on stage with bells to sing carols. But it was the power and joy in Sister Seegmiller's voice, especially on the highest notes of "O Holy Night" that engulfed the room and mesmerized the audience.
"My mission in life is to bear witness of Christ through song," said Sister Seegmiller, who served a full-time mission to Austria.
Monsignor Joseph Catrambone, who heads an orphanage in Guatemala, looks forward to the performances every year.
"I come as a member of the family of God," he said. "It doesn't matter here what country or nationality you are. We all come to celebrate Christ's birth."
