Washington D.C. Temple grounds illuminated by Elder Caussé and Mexican ambassador

Elder Gérald Caussé said light symbolizes Christmas, and the Mexican ambassador explained the meaning of “tekia,” during the lighting at Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center

Published: Dec 4, 2025, 4:54 p.m. MST

Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles embraces Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, Ambassador of Mexico to the United States, at the Festival of Lights at the Washington D.C. Temple grounds on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

KENSINGTON, Maryland — With the shared push of a button, Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán turned on more than a half-million Christmas lights on the grounds of the Washington D.C. Temple.

The 48^th annual Festival of Lights kicked off on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 2, with Elder Caussé welcoming representatives from nearly 50 different countries.

“The Church brings people together of different languages and cultures,” he said during the event.

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