For the first time ever in United States history, a Nativity will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol. Beginning December 10, it will be on the southeastern steps in front of the House of Representatives.
Reasons
According to a newsletter from the Christian Defense Coalition, the display comes after Rev. Patrick Mahoney, the Coalition’s director, won a federal court case in May. The ruling said that the steps of the U.S. Capitol building are a public forum, and thus, peaceful demonstrations can take place on them.
What Is Happening There
This event will also include Christmas carols. Mahoney said.
We are so very thankful for the opportunity to share the joyful and powerful message of Christmas at the steps of the United States Capitol. In a hurting and wounded world, there is no more redemptive and healing message than the Christmas story. The hopeful declaration of ‘Peace on earth, goodwill toward man,’ is one that needs to be heard and embraced by all Americans [1].
Mahoney then quoted Isaiah 9:6, where the prophet hails the Messiah as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Mahoney went on to add that this is also a significant victory for religious freedom and the 1st Amendment. This event ended, and the war on Christmas was won in the public square.
Last year, CatholicVote reported that the Capitol had begun to allow religious Christmas tree ornaments. This came after the Christian Defense Coalition emailed the Architect of the Capitol in 2021, arguing that the ban on religious ornaments violates the First Amendment.
Notes:
- ^ {Nativity Scene Will be Displayed at the US Capitol for the First Time in American History – LifeNews.com} (go back ↩)
