Nativity Scene Celebrates Christmas at Capitol
December 4th, 2013 by flanewsFor decades, a Florida Grown Christmas tree has graced the State Capitol and Governors have helped Rabbi’s light a Menorah, but there is a new first at the Capitol for this Christmas.
It’s not unusual for school children to sing at the Capitol. What is unusual is their choice of songs.
They are celebrating the first nativity scene in the state Capitol in at least four decades and perhaps ever.
The idea is the brainchild of a Naples man and the Florida Prayer network which says it is time to put Christ back in Christmas. “You know what happens every time we have a tragedy in America? People ask for prayer. How about if we pray before it happens and we say ‘God, you are welcome in our nation once again.’ That is why we are here today,” says Pam Olsen, FL Prayer Network.
A Catholic Priest prayed.
And a Young Cuban Immigrant prayed for future Generations.
A Menorah has been a regular fixture inside these halls for Decades.
All of the columns around the Menorah and the Nativity scene contain this disclaimer. It says the state doesn’t endorse or sponsor the views.
Now that the state has declared the area a public forum, the ACLU says it will be impossible to deny other groups access. “They’re not going to be able to give permission to some groups that they like and deny permission to groups they may not like,” says Howard Simon, ACLU Florida.
The display was paid for with private donors, including Hobby Lobby, which is waging a campaign over religious beliefs at the US Supreme Court.
Posted in State News | Comments Off on Nativity Scene Celebrates Christmas at Capitol