"As president of the United States it's my tremendous honor to finally wish America and the world a very Merry Christmas," he said.

Trump counted down from 10 while Melania pushed a button that lit up the national tree with silver and gold stars.

It's a tradition that dates back nearly a century and started with President Calvin Coolidge in 1923.

"From the earliest days of our nation, Americans have known Christmas is a time for prayer and worship, for gratitude and good will, for peace and renewal," President Trump said.

Thursday's celebration featured a number of musical performances, singing, and dancing. However, President Trump reminded the nation that Jesus is the real reason for the season.

"For Christians this is a holy season, a celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," he said.

"The Christmas story began 2,000 years ago with a mother, a father, their baby Son, and the most extraordinary gift of all – the gift of God's love for all of humanity," he continued. "Whatever our belief, we know that the birth of Jesus Christ and the story of this incredible life forever changed the course of human history. There is hardly an aspect of our life today that His life has not touched – art, music, culture, law, and our respect for the sacred dignity of every person everywhere in the world." (Screengrab via CBN News Live/ White House Christmas Tree Lighting)

He explained that Christmas isn't about presents, but celebrating our unique identity.

"Each and every year at Christmas time we recognize that the real spirit of Christmas is not what we have, it's about who we are. Each one of us is a child of God. That is the true source of joy this time of year," President Trump said. "That is what we remember during today's beautiful ceremony. That we are called to serve one another, to love one another, and to pursue peace in our hearts and all throughout the world."

President Trump ended by asking God for his blessings.

"This Christmas we ask for God's blessings for our family and for our nation."

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Thousands in Cold, Dark After Monster Cyclone Drops Record Snowfall in Northeast

It's Not Racist to Say Muslims Can't Tell Us to Reject Dogs

'That's Her!': Phoenix Movers Who'd Recently Received Anti-Trafficking Training Help to Rescue Abducted Toddler

Congresswoman Introduces Bill to Defund Explicit Content in Schools

Rep. Burchett: Mitch McConnell Blocks Save Act from Being Brought to a Vote on the Senate Floor

'CNN Is a Total Disgrace' for Ignoring White House Event Honoring Angel Families [Videos]

3 Reasons Democrat State of the Union Stunts Will Likely Fail

President Trump's First 'Official' State of the Union Address of His Second Term Tonight

President Trump Invites Gold Medal-Winning US Olympic Men's and Women's Hockey Teams to the State of the Union Address [Video]

No 'Right to Hijack': Christian Ousted from Trump Faith Panel over Anti-Zionist Remarks

Oregon Could Vote to Ban Hunting and Fishing; Proposed Law Would Classify Both as Cruelty to Animals

As Lawsuits Multiply, Transgender Reversal Movement Gains Momentum

Former South Korean President Sentenced to Life in Prison

Iran's University Students Break through Barricades, and Join the Brave People's Protests against Brutal Islamic Regime

Man Who Breached Security at Mar-a-Lago with a Shotgun, Killed on Scene; Was Obsessed with Epstein Case

Mexico: Cartel Leader is Killed in Military Raid, and Chaos Ensues at Guadalajara Airport and in Puerto Vallarta; Reports of American Tourists Taken Hostage

Her Father Escaped China after Tiananmen Square, Now American Alysa Liu, Wins Women's Skating Gold

USA Women's Hockey Team Sings National Anthem Arm in Arm after Olympic Gold Medal Win: 'The best part'

DC Grandma Who Lost Son to Violent Crime TORCHES Dems, Praises Trump in Powerful Speech: 'I Can Trust Him' [Video]

DC Mayor Declares Emergency, Asks President Trump for Help on Sewage Spill on the Potomac