Christmas in the People’s House

Washington DC is all decked out for Christmas, but there is one building, in particular, that is simply stunning this time of year. Janet Parshall tells you more in this week’s commentary.

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Episode Transcript

S1 (00:01):
Every woman I know loves to decorate her home for
the holidays. Our homes give us a great opportunity to
practice hospitality. From a cheery wreath hung in the front
door to the aromatic candles casting a warm glow. Our
homes give us a great opportunity to show the love
of Jesus just by saying welcome.

S2 (00:16):
Here to unpack present day issues from a biblical perspective
is Janet Parshall.

S1 (00:23):
There is one home in particular that I have always
loved to visit. It's a rather large, somewhat imposing structure.
It has iron gates and a big circle drive. Soldiers
stand guard by the front door, not the tall plastic
ones painted in bright red like something out of the
Nutcracker ballet, but real soldiers. And they actually do wear
red uniforms for the Christmas holiday. This house is often
referred to as the people's House, but you and I

(00:43):
know it better as the white House. The President and
First Lady hosted many parties for various groups during the holidays. I,
as a member of the press and my husband, have
attended several Christmas parties at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, where the
working press is specifically invited to be the guests. The
First Lady always selects a theme for the decorations. Past
themes have included birds of all shapes and sizes, children's
literature featuring some of the most beloved fictional characters, and

(01:06):
a winter wonderland where everything was decorated in white and
glass mirrors. The official white House Christmas tree is keyed
to the theme of the year, and all of the
fireplace mantels in that great residence are coordinated as well.
Best of all, each year the guests can stop to
admire a magnificent creature placed where all can see and
be reminded of the reason for the celebration. One of
the highlighted decorations is the custom designed gingerbread house, where

(01:29):
the current white House pets are always featured in a
prominent place on the edible structure. The prepared food is
spread on large tables in the beautifully appointed state rooms.
It looks like a scene out of Charles Dickens A
Christmas Carol. You can almost hear the words I am
the ghost of Christmas present. Look upon me. The president's own.
The United States Marine Band plays music throughout the evening,
making all who attend feel like something out of a

(01:50):
children's fairy tale. It is, in a word, breathtaking. Every
4 or 8 years, depending on the outcome of the election,
one president moves out and another moves in, reminding us
that the traditions of Christmas have continued for generations, traditions
that have outlasted the occupants of the people's House. Presidents
often deliver a Christmas message that's recorded in the annals
of American history. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan said, at

(02:13):
this special time of year, we all renew our sense
of wonder. In recalling the story of the first Christmas
in Bethlehem nearly 2000 years ago. Some celebrate Christmas as
the birthday of a great and good philosopher and teacher.
Others of us believe in the divinity of the child
born in Bethlehem, that he was and is the promised
Prince of Peace. Tonight, in millions of American homes, the

(02:35):
glow of the Christmas tree is a reflection of the
love Jesus taught us. Christmas means so much because of
one special child. How right he was. That's my opinion.
I'm Janet Parshall.

S2 (02:47):
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In the market with Janet Parshall. Aug.