Baby Jesus Debuts at Minnesota State Capitol for Christmas Season
Baby Jesus debuts at the Minnesota State Capitol this Thursday, on December 19, 2019. At 1 p.m. (Central), a traditional Christian crèche will be center stage in the capitol rotunda at 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in St. Paul. A special celebration featuring a blessing and Christmas carolers will mark the Nativity’s 4-hour residence at the capitol.
The Thomas More Society, a national not-for-profit law firm, has teamed up again with the American Nativity Scene to help keep privately funded manger scenes in the public square for Christmas.
“We are excited to share our Christmas message with the public, as the Constitution allows us to do,” said Colin Cain, coordinator of the Minnesota Nativity Scene. “More than just an opportunity to share our faith, it is a chance to invite everyone to seek peace on earth and goodwill to all,” he added.
WHAT: Christmas Nativity at the Minnesota State Capitol Celebration
WHEN: Thursday, December 19, 2019, from 1 to 5 p.m. (Central)
WHERE: Capitol rotunda, Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155
MAP: https://tinyurl.com/v5jk5pd
The Thomas More Society serves as legal counsel for nativity displays across America and collaborates with the American Nativity Scene. Defending freedom of religious speech and the free exercise of religious faith in the public square, these pro bono attorneys assist nativity scene sponsors. They equip citizens with the knowledge and support they need to successfully display crèches in venues that qualify as traditional and designated public forums.
“Privately funded Christmas displays are legally allowed in traditional public forums such as state capitols, county complexes, or city hall lawns,” explained Ed O’Malley, president of the American Nativity Scene. “We are committed to our goal of keeping Christ in Christmas across the nation.”
The mission of the American Nativity Scene is to place a nativity display within or directly outside state capitol buildings across America. By this Christmas, there will be 26 state capitol manger scenes on display. Pro bono work by the attorneys at the Thomas More Society has ensured that citizens who privately fund religious displays on public property are accorded their right to do so as guaranteed by the 1st and 14th Amendments of the United States Constitution. A permanent federal injunction banning discrimination against religious speech ensures that the Christmas crèches are protected from erroneous applications of the widely misunderstood concept of “separation of church and state.”
While each Christmas season brings controversies, including challenges by atheists, secularists, and even satanists, the American Nativity Scene remains constant in providing a strong and united front in the face of attacks on religious freedom.
“Atheist groups may mock our message, but we will not be silent as it is critical that Christians proclaim the Gospel message to their fellow citizens,” said Tom Brejcha, Thomas More Society president and chief counsel. “Anti-Christian, anti-Christmas rhetoric and satanic expositions merely serve to provide sharp emphasis by means of their stark contrast with the positive, uplifting, hopeful, and joyous message of Christmas. The Christmas message bears secular as well as religious significance, as it highlights the hope and miracle of birth and new life, the inherent dignity of each and every human being, focusing our attention on the humble and lowly infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger amidst straw and animals, honored by shepherds and kings alike, and heralded by choirs of angels.”
Together, the American Nativity Scene and the Thomas More Society have co-sponsored, assisted with, or promoted nativity displays at numerous state capitols including California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Texas. Additionally, there are Christmas nativities at the state capitols in Arkansas, New Jersey, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and the governor’s mansion in Oklahoma.
About the American Nativity Scene
The American Nativity Scene is dedicated to the display of nativity scenes in every state capitol throughout the United States during the Christmas season. For more information, visit americannativityscene.com. Visit our Nativity Scene Project page to volunteer or learn more.
