Children from many nations watched in anticipation as Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve and his Excellency Olexander Motsyk, ambassador of Ukraine, continued a Washington tradition Nov. 28 by opening the annual Festival of Lights at the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center. With the press of a button, they switched on 600,000 sparkling lights in trees and bushes that light the way to the center's concerts, performances and creche displays throughout December.As they have for 35 years, hosts J.W. Marriott Jr. and his wife, Donna, joined with the Church Office of Public and International Affairs under the direction of Ann Santini to welcome diplomats, their staffs, members of Congress, government officials and area business and religious leaders for the lighting ceremony. The event has become an opportunity to build good will between Church members and representatives of nations as they focus on common ideals of peace and love.
-
More