Obamas Go to Church Over Christmas Holiday

By By Audrey Barrick

While vacationing in Hawaii for Christmas, President Barack Obama and his family attended a church service on Sunday.

The first family visited St. Michael church on a U.S. Marines Corps base where they joined about 100 worshippers for a Christmas-themed service.

Last year, the president had reportedly skipped church on Christmas while in Hawaii, which is where he grew up.

Though a professed Christian, Obama has made few appearances at church services. He stated earlier that he has chosen not to join a parish in Washington because he does not want to be disruptive to the city or to churchgoers.

His last appearance at a church was in September, when he and his family attended St. John's Church, located near the White House.

Only around a third of Americans believe the president is a Christian, according to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. Last year, nearly half believed he was a Christian.

Among Protestant pastors, 41 percent say they believe Obama is a Christian, according to a survey by LifeWay Research, released earlier this month.

Nevertheless, in his Christmas greeting this year, Obama reminded the public of the reason for the Christmas celebration.

"Because this is the season when we celebrate the simplest yet most profound gift of all – the birth of a child who devoted his life to a message of peace, love and redemption, a message that says no matter who we are we are called to love one another, we are our brother's keeper, we are our sister's keeper – our separate stories in this big and busy world are really one," he said.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories