Many gathered here in the center courtyard to sing songs of praise led by top Christian music artists and hear a powerful message of hope from Franklin Graham.

US Navy Admiral and Chaplain Carey Cash kicked off the event by talking about "the greatest rescue operation of all time... the coming of Jesus into this world!"

"The Scripture says that, 'In Him was life, and that life was the light of the world,'" Cash continued. "We celebrate that light today."

Hegseth said now's the time to bring Christmas back to the Pentagon, and the stage at the event reflected the true meaning of the season with a wooden cut-out nativity scene displayed in front of Christmas trees.

"I want to thank you all for sharing in this first Christmas Worship service here at the Pentagon," Hegseth said to the crowd. "The greatest story ever told. And the best part about it is, it's a true story. It's a true story of a King who arrived not on the throne, but in a humble manger, became man, but yet lived perfectly. And all He asked of us is to believe, is to honor Him with who we are and what we do. And so we rejoice today in this place, at this time 2,000 years ago, grateful for this incredible republic, for a Savior."

Christian artists, Matthew West and Anne Wilson, led the crowd in worship.

Evangelist Franklin Graham highlighted the season of Advent by encouraging everyone to pause, reflect, and focus on the miracle birth of our Savior with anticipation of Christ's return. (Screengrab image: via CBN News)

"Jesus took our shame, and he died in our place, and he rose again. And this is why we celebrate," Graham explained. "Christmas was not a 'Jesus Christ is 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."

Michelle London joined CBN News in July 2024 as a Capitol Hill Correspondent based in Washington, DC.  Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

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

Christopher Columbus and the Birth of the Modern World

Trump: Zacharia Will Start Term as Press Secretary on Monday

Elon Musk's Starlink Set to Become a ‘Major Mobile Carrier'

Tens of Thousands of Illegal Votes Could be Cast in Georgia, Analyst Warns

Teachers Union Blocks Feds From Finding Fraudulent School Bus Drivers

Authorities Dismantle Louisiana Medicaid Fraud Web of Islamic Terror Financiers

First Atlantic Hurricane of 2026 Kills 4; Knocks Out Power for Nearly 1 Million

Saudi Arabia Faces Fresh Attacks as Deadly Houthi Strikes Keep Riyadh Airport Closed

Federal Agents Raid Rep. Ilhan Omar's DC Home

Researcher Convinced He's Found Noah's Ark Delivers a Message for Critics

Roseanne Barr Is Coming Back With a New Family Series

Security Bite: Apple's Latest Update, iOS 27, Lets Apps Ask Your iPhone If You're Being Scammed

When Death is Dressed as a Cure

Democrat Socialist Policies Would Cost $350K Per Household, Shorten Life Expectancy, Report Finds

Texas County Takes Stand Against Sharia With Unanimous Vote

New California Law Forces Churches to Provide 'Hate Speech' Training

First Atlantic Hurricane of the Season, Isaias Strengthens into Category 3 Storm, Threatens Gulf Coast

Massive 2,000-Year-Old Discovery Brings the World of Jesus to Life

Remembering October 7th: Thousands of Christians Gather in Jerusalem to Fight 'Spiritual Battle'

Pro-Lifers Visit Millions of Homes in Battleground States Ahead of Midterms