President Obama uses annual Easter message to offer 'hope' to Americans

US President Barack Obama and his family are playing host Easter celebrations at the White House this week (Getty Images)

President Barack Obama has used his weekly address to encourage Christians around the world to draw strength and inspiration from the Easter message.

Speaking to Americans on his weekly radio and Internet broadcast, President Obama said the Easter story is one of hope and faith and reminds us that better days are to come.

"For me, and for countless other Christians, Holy Week and Easter are times for reflection and renewal," he said. "We remember the grace of an awesome God, who loves us so deeply that He gave us his only Son, so that we might live through Him".

"And this Sunday, Michelle, Malia, Sasha, and I will join our fellow Christians around the world in celebrating the Resurrection of Christ, the salvation he offered the world, and the hope that comes with the Easter season," the President added.

President Obama's address to the nation comes in the middle of the White House's extensive Easter celebrations.

Earlier in the week the White House hosted its annual Easter prayer breakfast, where President Obama condemned the previous week's shootings in Kansas. And on Tuesday, the President and the First Lady hosted a Passover seder attended by some of their most senior advisors.

Next Monday, the Obama's will play host to the annual Easter Egg Roll, a time-honoured tradition in which children use large spoons to race eggs down the south lawn of the White House.