Baby Jesus is present at the California State Capitol this Christmas season. From December 17 through December 27, 2017, a traditional Christian crèche is on display on the Capitol’s North Side Steps. The Thomas More Society has teamed up again with the American Nativity Scene to help keep privately funded manger scenes in the public square for Christmas.

“We are proud to place this beautiful Nativity Scene on the steps of the Capitol as a proud display of our privately-held faith, and our freedom of religion, as guaranteed by the Constitution, during the Christmas season,” said Corrina Konczal, who, along with her husband David, co-chairs the Sacramento Nativity Scene Committee.

“The steps of the Capitol are a public space where all citizens can express their values and opinions, and we are excited that the Christ child is one of the viewpoints represented in this space. We look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”

“Last year, people were so excited to finally have a Nativity return to the Capitol. It was such a pleasure to hear friends of ours saying that friends of theirs were talking about it,” continued Konczal. “The positive message the Nativity brings to Sacramento reminds us all of the true meaning of the Christmas season, and we’re so glad to be a part of that.”

The California Capitol Nativity, coordinated by volunteers from Stockton and Sacramento, showcases figurines of the Holy Family - Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - housed under a handcrafted wooden stable, along with shepherds, animals, and the Wise Men from the East.

Together, the American Nativity Scene and the Thomas More Society have co-sponsored, assisted with, or promoted nativity displays at state capitols in Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington, and at the governor’s mansion in Oklahoma.