Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus & Santa?

Christmas Federal National group pressures county to add secular Christmas decorations in Nativity Scene

by Pat Peterson

Published: Fri, November 30, 2007 - 5:16 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, November 30, 2007 - 6:50 pm CST

Baby Jesus, the Three Wisemen and....Frosty the Snowman?

The Walton County Commission says they were "forced" to add secular Christmas decorations to the Nativity Scene in front of the Walton County Courthouse after a national group threatened to sue them. Americans United for Separation of Church and State, a Washington D-C based organization, says it's unconstitutional to display Christian-only themed decorations.

"We were surprised about the request," says Chris Mitchell, Public Information Officer for Walton County. "The group gave us a choice, either take down the nativity scene to comply with federal law or keep it up according to federal law as long as we add and include secular displays during the holiday season."

To avoid a lawsuit, county commissioners decided to add non-Christian decorations to the courthouse display. Work crews will put in snowmen and other Christmas decorations over the weekend.

People we spoke to in Walton County say the Nativity Scene additions don't bother them.

"We don't want to cause any controversy during the holidays," says Mitchell. "And we wanted to avoid legal action and comply with the federal government."

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dh2004 Says:

Thu, Dec 13, 2007 at 9:50 am

Can’t us Christians at least have something. They are taking away everything to do with Christ. I heard that certain persons wanted to stop calling it Christmas. It was named after Christ. The whole reason for CHRISTmas is to celebrate the birth of our Christ. And people wonder why this nation is like it is today. With all the crime and hatred.

atbman Says:

Mon, Dec 03, 2007 at 6:54 am

“One nation under GOD” ...can’t live with that…..leave

MeAmerican Says:

Sat, Dec 01, 2007 at 4:28 pm

Have a merry CHRISTmas to all!!!

glamblitz Says:

Sat, Dec 01, 2007 at 4:25 pm

I can not believe this is an issue. What is so sad if it would have been an Islamic diplay no one would have said anything. This country was founded on Biblical principles & why should we forget that. & to the comment about the government taking “in God we trust” off our money, mark my words as soon as they do the economy will crash & America as we know it will be gone forever!!!

bmk75 Says:

Sat, Dec 01, 2007 at 12:18 pm

I agree with you. The last time I checked this was a free country. But everytime someone sees something they don’t agree with they make threats. Why does it matter what is displayed? I am sick of all the bull we see and hear everyday. Why can’t people just live their lives and let others do the same? I wonder what this group has in their yard for christmas?

peace Says:

Sat, Dec 01, 2007 at 12:13 am

It may be a little crazy, but it seems to me that those who try to celebrate Christmas are being forced to give up their rights as Christians. Before you know it, the dollar will no longer be considered as currency because it has the words ” In God We Trust”
I believe that this is a free country and everyone has the right to express his or herself as they please. I also believe in the separation of church and state. That is what has made this
country a great place to live.
Before long, it will against the constitution to believe in Jesus or to even speak his name.
This may sound a little far fetched, but if we give in to this group, it will eventually happen.
What’ next—free speech???
Before you know it, someone is stop the government funded schools from allowing them to say the pledge of allegiance—O my bad!! That’s right someone already has!! I bet its the same group of people.