U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted the first-ever Christmas worship service at the Pentagon on Wednesday, marking a historic moment for public faith expression within the Department of Defense. The service, held in the center courtyard, featured worship led by Christian music artists Matthew West and Anne Wilson, and a message from evangelist Franklin Graham.
U.S. Navy Admiral and Chaplain Carey Cash opened the event by declaring it a celebration of “the greatest rescue operation of all time … the coming of Jesus into this world!” He added, “The scripture says that, ‘In Him was life, and that life was the light of the world.’ We celebrate that light today.”
Hegseth emphasized the importance of restoring the true meaning of Christmas in national institutions. “The greatest story ever told. And the best part about it is, it’s a true story,” he told the crowd. “And so we rejoice today in this place, at this time 2,000 years ago, grateful for this incredible republic, for a Savior.”
Franklin Graham reminded those gathered that, “Jesus took our shame, and he died in our place, and he rose again. And this is why we celebrate … Jesus Christ isn’t a babe in a manger. He’s living, He’s alive, He’s in heaven, and He’s coming back, and He’s coming back someday soon.”
