Pentagon hosts Christmas prayer service ‘to worship the King of Kings’

The Department of War hosted a Christmas prayer service at the Pentagon last week to celebrate the birth of Christ.

“John, chapter one: ‘And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us,’” U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said at the gathering. “Born in Bethlehem, 2000 years ago, the greatest story ever told. And the best part about it is it’s a true story.”

Hegseth, who has just come from the Dignified Transfer Ceremony of two fallen National Guardsmen, said his department gathered “to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

Keynote speaker Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham and president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, preached the gospel, emphasizing how Jesus Christ was born to die on a cross and endure God’s wrath against sin.

“And I think of the sins of our country, and I pray that God will forgive the sins of our country,” Graham said. “Pray that God will heal our land and that America will once again turn to the God of our Fathers and serve Him.” 

Hegseth began holding monthly prayer services at the Pentagon in May, according to CNN.  

“Isaiah 9:6 reads, ‘For to us, a child is born. To us, a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,’” read Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer, at the ceremony. 

She welcomed attendees, saying, “The gospel is alive and well in D.C.” – referencing other government departments that began monthly prayer services, including the Department of Labor.  

Also at the worship service, musical artists Matthew West and Anne Wilson led the audience in classic Christmas hymns and performed some originals. 

“I know every single day you face unthinkable and maybe even seemingly impossible obstacles as you protect the freedoms that we enjoy,” West said. “And I just want to know that there are so many people lifting you up in prayer and committing to pray for each and every one of you daily.” 

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