A historic event in our time
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For the first time in US history, the grounds of the Capitol have witnessed the public display of a Nativity scene, accompanied by heartfelt prayer, traditional Christmas carols, and the sacred recounting of Christ's birth.
Organized by Rev. Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition, this event was the culmination of a long-running and hard-fought legal battle. Mahoney launched this fight over a decade ago when, as director of the Washington, DC-based Christian Defense Coalition, he 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.
Mahoney wrote on X, "7 months ago, we would've been arrested for having this Nativity Display on the steps of the US Capitol. However, we won an historic federal lawsuit through the incredible work of the Center for American Liberty which allowed us on the steps!"
HOW WE GOT HERE The path to this landmark moment was laid by Mahoney's 2022 federal lawsuit, which challenged the Capitol's limitations on public demonstrations. Despite opposition from the federal government, Mahoney maintained that the US Capitol – a symbol of democracy and freedom – should serve as a venue where all Americans can exercise their First Amendment rights, including the right to express religious beliefs.
In his lawsuit, Mahoney stated, "The 'People's House,' as the US Capitol Building is so rightly called, must be a place where all Americans are afforded the right to come and peacefully celebrate and express their First Amendment rights. Tragically, those rights and freedoms are being denied and prohibited."
He argued that while lawmakers, media, lobbyists and tourists were permitted to access and use the Capitol grounds, his own request for a peaceful demonstration had been rejected. Mahoney sought permission to hold a Good Friday service, praying for peace, religious freedom and the healing of nations.
In May 2024, the US District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in Mahoney's favor, designating the Capitol steps as a public forum where peaceful demonstrations could no longer be barred. This decision set a precedent, affirming that the Capitol steps could be used for public expressions of religious faith, including the display of a Nativity scene.
"This is also a significant victory for religious freedom and the First Amendment," Mahoney stated. "This event has ended and won the war on Christmas in the public square. For if Christmas can be celebrated and displayed in the most powerful public square in America, it can be celebrated publicly everywhere."
Many Americans see this event as a beacon of hope, symbolizing a return to America's Christian foundations. The MAGA ethos, encapsulated by the slogan "Make America Great Again," often invokes a nostalgic return to when the Christian values which underpin the national identity were a very normal part of both public and private life. The Nativity scene at the Capitol seems like the kind of victory that affirms America's identity as a Christian nation and proudly celebrates American heritage.
POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS AND THE FUTURE
This event might signal a shift toward more visible expressions of Christianity in public spaces, with significant implications for policy, culture and public discourse. It could encourage a political landscape where Christian values are more overtly considered in policy-making; possibly affecting areas like education, where prayer in schools has been a contentious issue, or in legal frameworks advocating for laws that reflect Christian morals.
This could mean a stronger push for conservative policies on topics like abortion, marriage and religious freedom. The future might see a more unified or polarized America, depending on how these public expressions of faith are pursued. For Americans this a step toward reasserting cultural and moral values they feel have been eroded.
However, as we have seen in the past, other groups may attempt to use a ruling like this to promote their own religious beliefs or the celebration of their own holidays and traditions. Expect to see groups known for their antagonism toward faith attempting to twist this ruling to allow for obscene displays on the steps of the Capitol.
RESTORING CHRISTIAN ROOTS
From a pro-America, pro-Christian viewpoint, however, this event is indeed a hopeful sign. It suggests a potential revival in acknowledging America's Christian heritage openly. If utilized properly, this might lead to educational reforms, cultural acknowledgments, and a renewed focus on the role of faith in public life.
The Nativity scene at the Capitol isn't just about celebrating Christmas; it's a statement on America's identity, urging Christians to engage more in public life, advocating for policies aligned with their values. American Christians still make up a majority of the population. Uniting around our shared faith and its deep roots in the foundation of the nation could become a critical unifying force in a divided culture. As the United States navigates its identity in a secularized world, this might be the catalyst for discussions on what it means to be a Christian nation in practice and policy.
Arthur is a former editor and consultant. Born in India to missionary parents, he spent his early career working in development for NGOs in Asia, Central America, and Africa.
Arthur has an educational background in history and psychology, with certifications from the University of Oxford and Leiden in the economics, politics, and ethics of mass migration and comparative theories in terrorism and counterterrorism. He is currently launching CivWest, a company focused on building capital to fund restorative projects and create resilient systems across the Western world.