A Nativity scene has been put on display at the U.S. Capitol for the first time in American history.
The Christmas scene, depicting Mary holding baby Jesus surrounded by Joseph and the Wise Men, was erected on the southeastern Capitol staircase.
Previously, such Christian displays were not allowed. But, that all changed in May after a federal court ruled that Capitol steps are a public area; therefore, it is illegal to ban any public expressions, including those of faith.
This is a historic first for Christianity and our nation.
Check it out:
Rev. Patrick Mahoney originally sued the government to allow for religious displays, alleging that the U.S. Capitol is the "People's House" and "must be a place where all Americans are afforded the right to come and peacefully celebrate and express their First Amendment rights."
Here's what Rev. Mahoney had to say about the Nativity scene on X:
The Christian Post has more:
For the first time in history, a Nativity scene was displayed on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Tuesday, marking what organizers say is a milestone for religious freedom and the First Amendment.
The display, accompanied by prayer, Christmas carols and a reading of the Christmas story, was made possible by a landmark federal court decision that granted Rev. Patrick Mahoney and his supporters the right to peacefully celebrate the Christmas season on Capitol grounds.
Held on the southeastern steps of the Capitol, the display was the culmination of a legal battle that began over a decade ago when Mahoney, director of the Washington, D.C.-based Christian Defense Coalition, faced repeated threats of arrest for his attempts to read the Christmas story from the Bible and hold a Nativity display at the Capitol Christmas tree.
On Wednesday, Mahoney shared his gratitude for the chance to share the message of Christmas in such a politically significant location.
Catholic Vote added:
According to a newsletter from the Christian Defense Coalition, the display comes after Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, won a federal court case in May that ruled that the steps of the U.S. Capitol building are a public forum. Thus, peaceful demonstrations can take place on the steps of the building.
The event will also include Christmas carols.
"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," Mahoney said. "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."
Mahoney then quoted Isaiah 9:6, where the prophet hails the Messiah as "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
"This is also a significant victory for religious freedom and the 1st Amendment," Mahoney added. "This event has ended and won the war on Christmas in the public square."
The Capitol steps have never looked better!
Pray that this marks a significant turn for both the godliness of our nation, and our freedoms.