The 48th annual Festival of Lights at the Washington D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is underway.
On the evening of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles joined Mexico Ambassador to the United States Esteban Moctezuma Barragán to turn on the 500,000 lights spread throughout the grounds of this house of the Lord in the nation’s capital.
Many ambassadors, diplomats, members of Congress and other government and religious leaders were present.
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| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Ambassador Moctezuma expressed gratitude for sharing the evening with leaders and members of the Church of Jesus Christ — an organization he said is “known around the world for its commitment to faith, compassion and service.”
The Mexican leader noted his country’s emphasis on humanitarian work, saying the Church of Jesus Christ has the same focus.
“We are called to serve selflessly,” he said. “That wisdom has transcended frontiers.”
“There are so many out there whose burdens we can lift,” Ambassador Moctezuma said. “Let each one of us become a light as well and illuminate our own inner temple. When you shine, your family, your community, your city, your country and the world become a better place.”
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The Washington D.C. Temple grounds on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.In his comments near the end of Tuesday’s event, Elder Caussé quoted the words of the prophet Isaiah, which speak of Jesus Christ — “the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
“We know what the source of light is. We, too, can learn to live by that light,” the Apostle said. “If we do, our whole body shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness.”
“My dear friends,” Elder Caussé concluded, “I have loved seeing your personal light tonight. I’ve seen it in your countenance. I’ve seen it in your words. I’ve seen it in your eyes. I heard it through your songs. Thank you for lighting the world in your official assignments as well as your private life. Thank you for being a light in the life of those around you and for recognizing and uplifting the light in others — this Christmas season and all year long.”
The Festival of Lights, which also features an international créche display and decorated Christmas trees inside the Visitors’ Center, runs nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. until January 1, 2026.