Mr Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama together with their two daughters, Sasha and Malia, TV presenter Carson Daly, Santa Claus and, of course, their little green muppet accompaniment, took part in the festive show to light up the National Tree, a 26ft Colorado blue spruce.

During the ceremony, Barrack re-told the story of Jesus Christ’s birth and how it influenced his own faith. 



“He grew up to become a leader with a servant’s heart who taught us a message as simple as it is powerful: that we should love God, and love our neighbour as ourselves. 



“That teaching has come to encircle the globe. It has endured for generations and today it lies at the heat of my Christian faith and that of millions of Americans.”



Michelle also took to the stage to read ‘T’was The Night Before Christmas – with Kermit – and singer Ellie Goulding also performed at the show.