Merry Christmas!

From all of us at Family Council and the Education Alliance, merry Christmas!

As we enjoy this wonderful time of year, I hope we will all take time to reflect on the true reason we celebrate Christmas: The birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  Luke 2:8-14 (KJV)

Updated: ACLU Attacks Nativity Scene in Bradley County

Fox 16 News reports that Bradley County officials have opted not to place their traditional Nativity scene on the courthouse lawn after receiving letters from the ACLU.

In a written statement, Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney indicated that the county opted not to display the Nativity Scene on public property in part because officials in Mountain Home lost a lawsuit over a Nativity Scene in 2015.

However, it’s worth pointing out that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled Nativity scenes on public property constitutional in the past. 

In Lynch v. Donnelly the court ruled a Nativity scene on city property did not violate the Establishment Clause.

Christmas is a federal holiday, and Americans have celebrated it since before the American Revolution.

Contrary to the claims of the ACLU and others, local governments can celebrate Christmas — including by placing Nativity scenes and similar decorations on public property.

Updated at 4:00 PM on 12/3/2019:

KATV now reports that the Nativity scene will be displayed at a church down the street from the courthouse.

Photo Credit: KLRT Fox 16 News via website.