Blaze News original: 12 times leftists have sought to twist, hijack, and stomp on Christmas



The Freedom from Religion Foundation recently set up its annual "Winter Solstice" exhibit at the Wisconsin Capitol in opposition to religious displays, which is accompanied by a sign that reads, "At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but a myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

The Catholic League responded to the display with a billboard in the vicinity of the FFRF's headquarters in Madison that reads, "ATHEISTS STRIKE OUT AT CHRISTMAS. Celebrating Winter Solstice is a Child's Game. This Is Our Season — Not Theirs. Celebrate the Birth of Christ. Merry Christmas."

'I couldn't help but notice your Christmas lights display. ... The idea of twinkling, colorful lights are a reminder of divisions that continue to run through our society, a reminder of systemic biases against our neighbors who don't celebrate Christmas or who can't afford to put up lights of their own.'

Left-wing writer John Pavlovitz published a December 16 Substack piece titled, "The War on Christmas Is Here (and the Christian Right Has Declared it)." In it he says that "the very white conservatives who’ve been loudly sounding the alarm are the incessantly-advancing [sic] hordes" and have "disregarded their own faith tradition’s birth story." Pavlovitz adds that:

Christmas is a child of Palestinian Jewish parents desperately fleeing politically-ordered [sic] genocide.
Christmas is a dark-skinned child, born where animals feed because no human-worthy welcome could be found.
Christmas is a poor, itinerant, street preaching rabbi living off the generosity of those around him.
Christmas is a compassionate caregiver, feeding and clothing and healing whoever crossed his path.
Christmas is a liberal activist fighting for the poor, condemning violence, shunning material wealth, and calling the world to live sacrificially for the common good.

"The white Evangelical Church in America has no use for this Christmas," he also declares. "In fact, worse than that: it has open contempt for it."

Once again, it appears that leftists are seeking to twist, hijack, and stomp on Christmas in one form or another. It's happening this year just as it has taken place prior to 2024. The following are a dozen examples.

Nativity scene at Vatican showed infant Jesus lying on keffiyeh scarf — a 'potent symbol of the Palestinian cause'


A Nativity scene at the Vatican earlier this month displayed the infant Jesus lying on a keffiyeh scarf. Pope Francis on Dec. 7 attended the inauguration of the Nativity scene, and the Associated Press said special representatives of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas were on hand. The AP said the Nativity raised eyebrows because the keffiyeh has become a "potent symbol of the Palestinian cause."

"Just like the Nazis tried to rewrite Jesus as Aryan to justify their genocide of Jews, Palestinians are now rewriting Jesus as Palestinian to erase Jewish indigeneity to Israel," the watchdog group StopAntisemitism posted in regard to the Nativity scene. "The lies may shape-shift, but the centuries-old hatred towards the Jewish people continues."

But just days after the Nativity scene was unveiled, the depiction of the infant Jesus along with the keffiyeh scarf vanished. A Palestinian official told the AP that the Vatican gave no explanation about the removal, and it wasn't clear if the Nativity scene would be restored on Dec. 24.

Atheists complain about 'Keep Christ in Christmas' sign near Nativity scene in Canadian city. The next day, the sign is gone.


Every year the Knights of Columbus put up an outdoor Nativity scene in Kelowna, British Columbia — and this year after a "Keep Christ in Christmas" sign was displayed next to the Nativity scene, the Kelowna Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists Association complained.

A Dec. 9 letter from the group called the sign "political" and "advocating for a specific religious interpretation of the holiday." The next day the sign came down, with the city confirming that the sign isn't part of the Knights of Columbus' permit for the Nativity scene.

Australian elementary school bans students from exchanging 'food or Christmas-themed items' — and gets an earful from parents livid over 'woke ideology'


An elementary school in Melbourne, Australia, earlier this month banned students in grades 5 and 6 from exchanging "food or Christmas-themed items," the Daily Mail reported.

One mother said the ban was enacted so "non-Christian students" wouldn't be offended.

"I've heard that this is also happening at other local schools, and it's a woke ideology trying to interfere in what originally is a religious holiday that people who aren't even religious follow and observe," she told Herald Sun, according to the Daily Mail.

As you might imagine, the mother wasn't the only parent who was outraged, and the parents let Eltham East Primary School know about it, the outlet said.

Would you believe that soon afterward, Principal Warren Lloyd reversed the ban and apologized for the "oversight"? The Daily Mail Australia said it contacted the Victoria Department of Education for further comment.

Bella d'Abrera from the Institute of Public Affairs told the outlet that the school's initial ban represented political correctness on overdrive: "Every year like clockwork, left-wing activists in our schools and institutions find an excuse to cancel Christmas. What have we become as a society if activists’ cancel culture now extends to canceling Christmas for [elementary] students?"

Catholic priest politicizes Christmas by telling CNN panel that it's 'about a Palestinian Jew' — then gets history lessons


On Christmas morning 2023, Catholic Fr. Edward Beck — a CNN religion commentator — told a panel on the cable network that "the story of Christmas is about a Palestinian Jew."

He continued: "Now, how often do you find those words put together? A Palestinian Jew born into a time when his country was occupied, right? They can't find a place for her to even give birth. They're homeless. They eventually have to flee as refugees, into Egypt no less. I mean, you can't make up the parallels to our current world situation right now. And so in some way, that is who we believe God becomes, born into that situation."

Conservative commentator Jason Rantz caught the exchange and posted a retort on X, saying Beck is "trying to push Christians into Palestinian nationalism & erase Jewish history." It appeared that Beck soon blocked Rantz on Christmas Day, and Rantz observed that "the activist Father doesn’t like getting called out by Jews."

Radio host Christopher Calvin Reid added, "This 'Father' doesn't represent orthodox Christians or practicing catholics in [any way]. Christ was born in Israel and salvation is for the Jews first and then for the gentiles. God's promises to Israel will never be broken, and those who lie about history in order to promote Hamas have nothing to do with my faith. But you can always find some minister[s] who [call] themselves 'Christian' who are wolves amongst the sheep."

Chris Enloe, who wrote Blaze News' story on the controversy, added that Beck "is the same Catholic priest who two years ago said that Christians who did not receive the COVID-19 shot should not attend Christmas church services."

Florida hotel that hosted 'A Drag Queen Christmas' show gets in trouble after state says minors were at sexually explicit show


The office of Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in December 2022 said it was investigating venues hosting "A Drag Queen Christmas" for possible violations of state laws against exposing children to sexually explicit themes.

In March 2023, DeSantis' office sought to revoke the liquor license of the Hyatt Regency Miami for hosting “A Drag Queen Christmas” the previous Dec. 27, NBC News reported. The DeSantis administration argued that the hotel violated Florida statutes on lewdness by hosting the show and exposing children to “simulated sexual activity, and lewd, vulgar, and indecent displays," the news network said, adding that the venue allowed minors to attend the show if accompanied by an adult.

By last December, the state settled with the Hyatt Regency Miami, NBC News said, adding that as part of the settlement, the hotel was to pay a $5,000 fine and agreed to prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from attending any performance at the hotel that “contains, depicts or simulates any activities” described in Florida’s statutes on lewdness.

Amid local library's Christmas tree ban, town human rights commissioner says Christians believe in 'happy horses**t,' 'magic sky daddy' in unhinged rant. She later resigns.


A member of the Human Rights Commission in Dedham, Massachusetts, resigned in December 2022 after writing that Christians believe in "happy horses**t" and a "magic sky daddy" as part of an unhinged rant on social media amid a Christmas tree ban in the town's public library.

In 2021, some people allegedly were "uncomfortable" with the sight of a Christmas tree in the library, which reportedly led to a ban on Christmas trees there in 2022.

Lisa Desmond, supervisor of the Endicott branch of Dedham's libraries, said in a now-unavailable Facebook post in December 2022, "I found out today that my beautiful library will not have [its] Christmas tree this year. Zero explanation. When I asked I was told 'people' were made uncomfortable last year looking at it. I’m sorry WHAT?" Desmond said in the comments section of her post that the Dedham public library director made the decision. Hundreds of comments under her post and several other related posts on Desmond's Facebook page were squarely against banning Christmas trees in the town's public libraries.

Desmond also added a Dec. 6 post with screenshots of a profanity-laced rant on a local Facebook page against Desmond and her issues with the Christmas tree cancellation. The rant's author, Diane Loud — whom Desmond said works for a local human rights commission — called Desmond a "selfish, f***ing bitch who does not care about anyone else but herself. For a tree? A motherf***ing TREE? You have put people's lives in a lot of danger. A lot of danger. For a motherf***ing Christmas tree."

The rant also read, "I hope that you — who claim to believe in Christ or whatever happy horses**t you're trying to hide behind — are the least gracious, most hateful, most disgusting trash in the world. Is this what you think your magic sky daddy wants? Where in the Bible was this again?"

And there was even more: "In closing I would like to add a final round of F*** YOU, YOU PIECES OF TRASH. I hate each and every one of you, and I do wish great suffering on you. You are terrible, terrible people."

Interestingly, the rant's author prefaced it all by saying, "I know there's no way to survive whatever sanctions you'll ask the select board to put my participation in commissions that actually try to make people's lives better, so I might as well go for it."

Desmond said in her Facebook post that "police have been notified" about the rant, and she also called for the rant's author to resign from the town's human rights commission.

Two days after Desmond shared Loud's rant, it was announced that Loud "has stepped down from her position on the Dedham Human Rights Commission. We sincerely appreciate Diane's service and look forward to working with the Commission on Disabilities to find a representative to take her place."

What's more, after a massive pushback against the Christmas tree ban, the library director soon said the trees were allowed to go up after all. Library Director Amber Moroney said in a Dec. 12 statement that "Christmas trees will be put up" at both of Dedham's public libraries, WBTS reported. Moroney said in a statement to Fox News that "the initial decision to not display a Christmas tree was the result of an ongoing review of all our holiday decorations and displays that started back in the spring."

A statement from Dedham officials said "town staff" were "targeted by recent online threats and bullying" over the controversy and that "what could have been something of legitimate discourse turned neighbor against neighbor, and has threatened the safety and well-being of community members and staff."

You can view a video report here about the controversy when it was first brewing.

Nativity scene threatened with removal in Arkansas town that has been referred to as 'the Bible Belt's LGBTQ oasis.' But folks fight back.


In December 2022, Robert Berry — mayor of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, which CNN called "the Bible Belt's LGBTQ oasis" — wanted a Nativity scene gone from its usual spot in Basin Spring Park after nearly 70 years.

Randall Christy, executive director of the Great Passion Play, told KNWA-TV that after the mayor called him about removing the Nativity scene, "We decided we're not taking it down. We refused to take it down." Christy also told conservative radio host Todd Starnes, "This is Christmas. ... Why is the Nativity such a threat to the mayor of Eureka Springs?"

As you might guess, there was substantial backlash over the threat of the Nativity scene's removal. Christy said, "People have just been pouring out — posting pictures, saying, ‘don’t take it down, don’t take it down,’ and the mayor has heard the cry of the people."

According to Berry, a town resident had threatened to sue Eureka Springs over the Nativity scene, claiming the religious imagery violated his constitutional right to freedom of religion, reported the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. City Attorney Forrest Jacob and the city's parks director, Scott Miskiel, reportedly told the mayor that "as long as you allow other secular displays to be displayed, then you're OK," according to Berry.

Christy posted the following to Facebook: "I want to sincerely, personally thank Eureka Springs Mayor Butch Berry who just notified me in writing that he has changed his mind and WILL NOT require us to remove our Nativity Scene out of the city's Basin Park. He and I will STAND TOGETHER to fight this potential lawsuit. We stand together to keep Christ and the Nativity in Christmas in Eureka Springs!!!"

Wishing others 'Merry Christmas' is 'white supremacy culture at work'? Really?


In 2020, a Chicago woman made an astonishing claim on Christmas Day that wishing someone a "Merry Christmas" is "white supremacy culture at work."

"This is your annual reminder that not everyone celebrates Christmas! The default to 'Merry Christmas' as a normal greeting is also white supremacy culture at work. If someone celebrates, then by all means. But so many people don't," Jen Bokoff posted on X.

The post caught the attention of conservative pundit Joe Concha, who mocked it. Widespread backlash soon erupted, and Bokoff apparently locked her X account. But that didn't stop others from responding.

One detractor said, "Who wants to tell her that hundreds of millions of Christians who celebrate Christmas worldwide are something other than white?"

Another pointed out, "This isn't a racist white thing. Jesus was Middle Eastern. This is a, 'I follow Christ thing.' Bless her heart."

Yet another replied, "I was walking on the sidewalk today a Muslim lady was going the other direction, she said Merry Christmas to me. I was thrilled. I wished her Merry Christmas, we both smiled and kept walking. It was a great moment for me. The real person should give it a try and get real."

Home's Christmas lights pummeled as 'harmful' and a 'reminder of divisions ... systemic biases.' Then anonymous critic receives holiday haranguing.


In early December 2020, a Minnesota couple received an anonymous letter criticizing the Christmas light display on their St. Anthony home as "harmful," Fox News noted.

The letter to Kim Hunt and her husband begins: "I couldn't help but notice your Christmas lights display. During these unprecedented times, we have all experienced challenges which casual words just don't describe what we're feeling. The idea of twinkling, colorful lights are a reminder of divisions that continue to run through our society, a reminder of systemic biases against our neighbors who don't celebrate Christmas or who can't afford to put up lights of their own."

It adds that "we must do the work of educating ourselves about the harmful impact an outward facing display like yours can have."

You can check out the letter and the "harmful" Christmas lights here.

The letter writer then says, "I challenge you to respect the dignity of all people, while striving to learn from differences, ideas, and opinions of our neighbors. We must come together collectively and challenge these institutional inequities. St. Anthony is a community welcoming of all people, and we must demand better for ourselves."

Hunt told Fox News that she and her husband were "very surprised, shocked, and saddened by the letter" — particularly since the lights give her a sense of "joy" when she returns from her job as a nurse working with COVID-19 patients. She added to the cable network that "these times we live in are so divisive" and that it's "a sad statement that Christmas lights have to be a target."

"We need to be inclusive of everyone, and let's face it, a lot of people put up holiday lights or decorate their homes for other occasions to bring beauty and happiness to what can be a very ugly world," Hunt told Fox News, adding that three other homes in the area have received the same letter.

As you might expect, the letter writer got an earful from Twitter users who saw the Crime Watch post containing the photo of the letter. Fox News said former Baltimore Ravens quarterback Derek Anderson observed: "Saw this coming a long time ago. 'If I can't have it nobody can' or 'if they have it we all deserve it' that's not life."

Others had similar reactions:

  • "Ironic that the letter writer is doing exactly what they accuse the homeowner of doing — not being accepting of others," another commenter said. "I would redouble my lights."
  • "People just need to stop already!!" another user declared. "If I lived in that neighborhood I'd help the owner put up even more lights."
  • "If I were the recipient of that letter, I would put up THREE TIMES the amount of lights that I originally had put up," another commenter noted.

'God rest you, queer and questioning ...' Altered lyrics for iconic Christmas carol sung at English church; ideology behind it blasted as 'woke, unbiblical'


A church in England — All Saints with Holy Trinity in Loughborough — reportedly raised eyebrows in December 2022 for performing iconic Christmas carol "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" with altered lyrics that reflect a "woke, unbiblical" ideology. The updated carol removes references to Satan and Christ as Savior while mentioning those who are “queer and questioning” and “women, who by men have been erased."

Rev. Matthew Firth said the new lyrics fit the Church of England's "woke, unbiblical agenda," the Daily Mail reported. "'All ideas about Christ as savior have been erased. Triumph over Satan's power has been erased. And the whole nativity story has been erased."

Christmas ad 'bringing people to tears' shows grandfather applying makeup to grandson's face — and grandson soon presenting as female to family around dinner table


A J&B Blended Scotch Whisky commercial from Spain is "bringing people to tears with its message of love and acceptance," Today reported in December 2022.

The description of the ad on YouTube via Google Translate reads, "At J&B we want everyone to be able to celebrate at Christmas, without anyone being left out. But, sadly, on these dates, many people from the LGTBIQ+ collective feel uncomfortable or rejected in their own families and cannot celebrate with them. For this reason, we have made this Christmas story starring a grandfather and his family."

Interestingly, those wishing to view the ad on YouTube must sign in to confirm their age as the video "may be inappropriate for some users."

The ad begins with a grandfather trying to learn how to apply makeup to his face without his wife finding out as a version of the song “She" plays in the background, Today noted. After multiple attempts, Today said the grandfather finally "studies himself in the mirror, sporting a full face of expertly applied makeup."

"At first, it seems like the commercial is about the grandfather exploring his own identity — but then comes the emotional twist," Today continued.

Family members soon arrive at the grandparents' house for Christmas dinner — including 26-year-old "Alvaro." The grandfather motions for Alvaro to come with him — and the pair enter a bathroom, after which the grandfather locks the door. With that, the grandfather "uses his newfound makeup skills to lovingly transform his grandchild’s look, applying a beautiful, bold red lip, blush and winged eyeliner," Today said.

Finally, Alvaro and the grandfather emerge from the bathroom — and "Alvaro" has become "Ana" and is "appearing to come out to the family as transgender," Today added.

"The family is surprised at first, but a second later, Ana's mother stands and embraces her, moved to tears, and the rest of the family looks on with love and approval," Today said in its description of the commercial.

The ad's only clear connection to J&B is a shot at the end showing a bottle on the dinner table along with family members drinking it.

Canada's human rights commission suggests holidays like Christmas amount to 'systemic religious discrimination'


The Canadian Human Rights Commission in the fall of 2023 published a paper suggesting that statutory holidays linked to Christianity — particularly Christmas and Easter — are evidence of "religious intolerance."

"Discrimination against religious minorities in Canada is grounded in Canada's history of colonialism," the paper read. "This history manifests itself in present-day systemic religious discrimination. An obvious example is statutory holidays in Canada. Statutory holidays related to Christianity, including Christmas and Easter, are the only Canadian statutory holidays linked to religious holy days."

The paper continued, "As a result, non-Christians may need to request special accommodations to observe their holy days and other times of the year where their religion requires them to abstain from work."

Conservative lawmaker Jeremy Patzer wrote in response to the report, "This is ridiculous. Christmas is celebrated all around the world by people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. This is another example of woke ideology fomenting within the federal government. I for one will be celebrating Christmas whole heartedly. Merry Christmas!"

John Rustad, leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, added on X, "The Trudeau Liberals have lost their minds to woke culture. There is nothing discriminatory about Christmas."

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Blaze News original: Christian fighting for free speech scores major victory, displays Nativity scene on US Capitol steps



A former pastor who has been fighting against restrictions on First Amendment freedoms scored a major legal victory earlier this year, prompting him to set up a Nativity scene on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building, a peaceful demonstration that would have gotten him arrested just a few short months ago, he told Blaze News.

At noon on December 10, Rev. Patrick Mahoney — a reformed Presbyterian minister who has spent the last 32 years as the director the Christian Defense Coalition based in Washington, D.C. — brought statues representing baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the wise men, and even a few animals and arranged them on the southeastern steps of the U.S. Capitol, the area K-LOVE described as "the House of Representatives side."

Then Mahoney; his wife of 51 years, Katie; and only three other guests were then able to gather round, read some scripture verses, and sing Christmas carols without fear of reprisal from law enforcement. The event lasted for about an hour.

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According to Mahoney, this Nativity scene was a historic moment as it marked the first time ever that a Nativity scene was put on display on the steps of the Capitol.

"We read the Christmas story. We prayed for our country. We stressed how important the message of hope and peace that Jesus brought ... through his birth was open to all humanity," Mahoney told Blaze News. "We prayed for our government. We prayed for the new incoming government."

"So we celebrated the birth of Christ as the most significant moment in world history," he continued.

"We rejoiced in that."

The fight for the First Amendment

In the land of the free and the home of the brave, where freedoms regarding speech and religious expressions are enshrined into the Constitution, such peaceful events held in our nation's capital should hardly be remarkable. But Rev. Mahoney knows better, understanding that such liberties have been readily sacrificed in recent years in the name of safety and security.

The first major event that curtailed civil liberties in D.C. was 9/11. Shortly after the attacks, which included a deadly attack on the nearby Pentagon, the U.S. Capitol Police decided to prevent Americans from demonstrating at the Capitol building, according to Eric Sell, an attorney with the Center for American Liberty, which represents Mahoney.

"It's roughly 250 feet circle all around the Capitol building, which includes the eastern steps, and it's totally off limits to demonstration activity," Sell explained to Blaze News.

'No person or group of any size may engage in demonstration activity on the steps of the United States Capitol.'

For more than two decades, Capitol Police did not change that policy. In fact, they worked to enhance restrictions even further after January 6, 2021.

Mahoney learned firsthand just how strictly those enhanced restrictions were enforced. In April 2021, just a few short months after the riot at the Capitol, Mahoney tried to host a prayer vigil on Good Friday as he had in previous years — and was soon arrested.

Photo shared with Blaze News. Used with permission

Mahoney was charged with unlawful assembly and later paid an estimated fine of $125. The heightened security restrictions on the steps at the Capitol building remained in place though, effectively prohibiting regular Americans from speaking openly outside a government building they paid for with their taxes.

"It had just been members of Congress who were able to use the Capitol steps virtually whenever they wanted to," Sell said. "And what they would do is they would often invite their allies up there with them."

"But members of the public couldn't do that," Sell added.

Traffic Regulations released by the Capitol Police Board in January 2024 reiterated the restrictions regarding the Capitol steps:

"No person or group of any size may engage in demonstration activity on the steps of the United States Capitol, on the steps of any building on Capitol Grounds or in any area otherwise closed or restricted for official use."

Mahoney refused to accept the ongoing suspension of American civil liberties and sued the Capitol Police Board to end the restrictions. The process to end the regulations was long but quite successful.

"After 18 months, we secured the right back to peaceful demonstrations, back to free speech activities, our Good Friday services," he told Blaze News, "but there was one area that still we were seeking free speech rights on, and that were the Capitol steps."

Mahoney's determination to reclaim that critically important public area eventually paid off earlier this year. In May, James Boasberg, the chief judge of the D.C. District Court who was appointed by Obama, ruled that "the ban on all non-sponsored speech on the eastern steps" of the U.S. Capitol was "unconstitutional."

Sell told Blaze News that this decision formally classified the eastern steps of the Capitol as "a traditional public forum" where First Amendment rights are strongly protected.

"It's much harder for the government to prohibit speech that's in a traditional public forum," Sell explained. "And having the Capitol steps be determined by a federal court to be a traditional public forum is an incredible victory for free speech because that means people are allowed to go there and express their messages."

While Capitol Police and other government officials "can still require permits and have other kind of regulations," Sell continued, they can no longer "prohibit speech there outright like they have been doing since 2001."

Mahoney said that the Capitol steps are "the people's house" and that the people, not just congressmen and their "lobbyist" friends, have a right to express themselves and their religious beliefs there without fear.

"It doesn't belong to an elite group of the political class, but every citizen, whatever their views or values are, should have the right to freely go to the United States Capitol and air them."

The Capitol Police Board did not respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

A 'decisive legal victory' — and yet ...

Shortly after Judge Boasberg issued the ruling, Rev. Mahoney knew how he would would celebrate it: by hosting a Christmas celebration in December complete with a Nativity scene and carol-singing. Mahoney indicated to Blaze News that the eastern steps were ground zero for "the war on Christmas."

"Having this event on the steps of the Capitol — the most powerful public forum, the most powerful public place in the world — if we can come and worship freely there and celebrate Christmas there and express our religious freedoms there, then we've won the war on Christmas and the war on Christmas is over," he said.

Other Christians and Christian organizations view the ruling and the Nativity scene at the Capitol building similarly.

Andrea Picciotti-Bayer, director of the Conscience Project, told Blaze News:

The Nativity display set up on the steps of the US Capitol building by the Christian Defense Coalition — a group of private citizens — is a wonderful expression of the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Peaceful demonstrations in places traditionally considered public forums don’t lack their protection under the Constitution because they have a religious character. All defenders of treasured American freedoms, whether they are Christian or not, should celebrate that this one battle in the “War on Christmas” has been won.

In a statement to Blaze News, Erika Ahern, associate editor for CatholicVote and the LOOP, said:

In this historic first, we see a sign of Christmas joy and hope for our great nation. Public displays of the Nativity of Jesus acknowledge the central role of religion in American history, as well as the reality that the majority of Americans honor Christ at Christmas. Much is made of our political divisions, but the display of the Holy Family is a sign that America is healing.

Sell likewise described the ruling as "incredible" and as a "decisive legal victory."

'If we did this eight months ago or last Christmastime, we would have been arrested.'

Unfortunately, the ruling still has one major restriction attached to it. Even though Judge Boasberg found that forbidding free speech on the eastern steps was "unconstitutional," he nevertheless agreed to severely limit the number of people who can exercise their First Amendment rights there, at least for the time being.

In fact, only Mahoney and four of his friends are permitted to participate until the new administration is inaugurated next month.

"The government had asked the district court to stay the injunction with respect to everyone except for Patrick Mahoney," Sell told Blaze News. "[The judge] was concerned that the government raised legitimate concerns about safety from the election until the inauguration."

Though only five total people could officially participate in the Christmas event, plenty of tourists enjoyed it so much that they stopped to take selfies with Mahoney, his wife, and the Nativity figures.

"People loved it," Mahoney said with pride. "They really rejoiced in it."

Photo shared with Blaze News. Used with permission.

Sell described the temporary restriction as "ridiculous" and noted that even the American Civil Liberties Union was incensed about it and wanted to get involved.

"We've had some conversations with the D.C. chapter of the ACLU," Sell said. "They are interested in this case. They support Reverend Mahoney, and they support the public's right to speak on the Capitol steps. It sounds like they may submit an amicus brief in support of us on appeal."

Though Mahoney said he does not often see eye to eye with the ACLU, he appreciates the organization's willingness to stand with him in the fight for free speech. Sell indicated that an amicus brief from the organization could influence the courts.

"Having them file a brief in support we think helps because it shows that this isn't something that's confined to the ideological right or the ideological left," Sell said. "People across the spectrum believe in free speech in this country, and the fact that you have the ACLU coming in and filing a brief shows that this is about free speech. It's not about right-wing or left-wing ideology."

The ACLU did not respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

For now, Mahoney is just grateful that a federal judge, an Obama appointee no less, sided in favor of the First Amendment.

"If we did this eight months ago or last Christmastime, we would have been arrested," he said.

Despite the progress, Mahoney warns Christians and all Americans of good will not to become complacent about their civil liberties.

"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty," Mahoney said, quoting an inscription on a sculpture at the National Archives in D.C. "And I think particularly the faith community needs to take that to heart, that we must continually speak out and fight to ensure that every American is free to express their religious views and beliefs and values in the public square, how they raise their children, how they conduct their lives, without government harassment or opposition."

He also indicated to Blaze News that he is optimistic that the First Amendment is in better hands with President-elect Donald Trump than it would have been under Vice President Kamala Harris, who he suggested has "animus and hostility toward people of faith."

"I think one of the key undercurrents, like in the election, obviously immigration, crime, the economy were key issues," Mahoney said. "But I think bubbling under that for the 80% of evangelicals who voted for President Trump was the sense that our religious freedoms would be protected."

"One of the most dangerous things in America is when our federal law enforcement is turned against their own citizens, especially people of faith," he added, referencing the peaceful pro-life protesters jailed under the Biden-Harris administration.

"It's dangerous."

H/T: The Patrick Madrid Show

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Christmas trees now allowed in Massachusetts town's public libraries after massive pushback. Last year some folks allegedly were 'uncomfortable' with them.



The Grinch won't be getting his way this year in Dedham, Massachusetts, as Christmas trees are now allowed to go up in the town's public libraries.

Last year some folks allegedly were "uncomfortable" with the sight of a tree in one library, which reportedly led to a ban on Christmas trees in general this season — and then a massive pushback against the decision commenced.

What's the background?

Lisa Desmond, supervisor of the Endicott branch of Dedham's libraries, said in a Facebook post earlier this month, "I found out today that my beautiful library will not have [its] Christmas tree this year. Zero explanation. When I asked I was told 'people' were made uncomfortable last year looking at it. I’m sorry WHAT?"

Desmond said in the comments section of her post that the Dedham public library director made the decision.

Desmond added that in her 28 years at the library, she's "never heard a negative comment. We have celebrated and included everyone in our community. In fact, I was asked to emcee Juneteenth this year. What an honor. Those who know me and my family know we celebrate Christmas Hanukkah. My Muslim friends and Western Indian friends invite me to their celebrations. What an amazing gift. ... Those who know me know I lead with positive intentions. I’m not feeling very positive today. Please bring Christmas back to my beautiful library. And always lead with love in your heart."

Hundreds of comments under several related posts on Desmond's Facebook page are squarely against banning Christmas trees in the town's public libraries.

'For a motherf***ing Christmas tree'

Desmond also added a post with screenshots of a profanity-laced rant on a local Facebook page against Desmond and her issues with the Christmas tree cancellation. The poster — whom Desmond said works for a local human rights commission — said Desmond is a "selfish, f***ing bitch who does not care about anyone else but herself. For a tree? A motherf***ing TREE? You have put people's lives in a lot of danger. A lot of danger. For a motherf***ing Christmas tree."

The post also reads, "I hope that you — who claim to believe in Christ or whatever happy horses**t you're trying to hide behind — are the least gracious, most hateful, most disgusting trash in the world. Is this what you think your magic sky daddy wants?"

Desmond noted that "police have been notified" in regard to words in the aforementioned post.

'Christmas trees will be put up'

Library Director Amber Moroney said in a statement Monday that "Christmas trees will be put up" at both of Dedham's public libraries, WBTS reported.

"What has played out on social media is unfortunate," Moroney said, according tot the station, adding that "it has negatively impacted our staff and the community, and frankly, transpired before we had even started our seasonal decorating. As we finish decorating for this holiday season, Christmas trees will be put up at both locations." She added, "To be clear, there is no ban on Christmas at the Dedham library."

A statement from Dedham officials Friday said "town staff" were "targeted by recent online threats and bullying" over the controversy and that "what could have been something of legitimate discourse turned neighbor against neighbor, and has threatened the safety and well-being of community members and staff."

Here's a video report about the controversy when it was first brewing last week:

Library controversially leaves Christmas trees out of holiday decorationsyoutu.be

Christmas tree banned from public library allegedly after 'people were made uncomfortable' by it last year



A Christmas tree isn't going up in a Massachusetts public library this seasonafter "people were [allegedly] made uncomfortable" by "looking at it" last year.

What are the details?

Lisa Desmond, a branch supervisor at the Dedham Public Library, said last week on Facebook that "I found out today that my beautiful library will not have [its] Christmas tree this year. Zero explanation. When I asked I was told 'people' were made uncomfortable last year looking at it. I’m sorry WHAT?"

Desmond said in the comments section of her post that the library director made the decision; WBZ-AM said the director is Amber Moroney.

Desmond added that in her 28 years at the library, she's "never heard a negative comment. We have celebrated and included everyone in our community. In fact, I was asked to emcee Juneteenth this year. What an honor. Those who know me and my family know we celebrate Christmas Hanukkah. My Muslim friends and Western Indian friends invite me to their celebrations. What an amazing gift. ... Those who know me know I lead with positive intentions. I’m not feeling very positive today. Please bring Christmas back to my beautiful library. And always lead with love in your heart."

'For a motherf***ing Christmas tree'

Desmond added another post Tuesday with screenshots of a profanity-laced rant against her and her issues with the Christmas tree cancellation on a local Facebook page. The poster — whom Desmond said works for a local human rights commission — said Desmond is a "selfish, f***ing bitch who does not care about anyone else but herself. For a tree? A motherf***ing TREE? You have put people's lives in a lot of danger. A lot of danger. For a motherf***ing Christmas tree."

The post also read, "I hope that you — who claim to believe in Christ or whatever happy horses**t you're trying to hide behind — are the least gracious, most hateful, most disgusting trash in the world. Is this what you think your magic sky daddy wants?"

Desmond noted that "police have been notified" in regard to words in the aforementioned post.

She also said the Board of Library Trustees is meeting Tuesday and encouraged residents to make their voices heard about the controversy: "If you can’t make it, a letter to the board might help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. However you celebrate, I wish you and your family love and peace."

Christmas carolers get thumbs down from angry onlookers who try drowning them out with amplified noise. The carolers' response? A hearty, 'Merry Christmas!'



Members of Christ Church may have gathered Sunday on Friendship Square in Moscow, Idaho, to sing Christmas carols as they do every year — but the reception this time was anything but friendly.

What happened?

Video captured the moment when one man stood outside the Moscow Hotel and made disapproving gestures toward the approximately 300 carolers, the Moscow Report said. Among the gestures was a thumbs down and a flip of the back of his hand under his chin and toward the group:

Image source: YouTube screenshot

What's more, amplified noise was coming from one of the hotel's open windows — and the paper said a witness at the scene who measured the sound with his smartphone said it topped 90 decibels.

Image source: YouTube screenshot

But the apparent attempt to drown out the carolers was met with grace.

Pastor Doug Wilson stood up after one carol — while the noise was overtaking the sonic space in the street — and suggested that the carolers offer a hearty "Merry Christmas!" in the face of opposition, the Report said.

And they did just that.

Wilson then suggested that the group move to another spot — as carolers do — and the group settled in for more singing at a fountain, the paper said.

As the carolers crossed the street and continued singing, the noise soon ceased, and the Report said the only sounds were the carolers offering more songs of the season.

Citation issued

The paper said Moscow Police cited the individual responsible for the noise for disturbing the peace, adding that an MPD officer stayed on the scene to make sure no other illegal disturbances would impede the carolers.

Christ Church Caroling on Friendship Square | December 5th, 2021youtu.be

Anything else?

Check out commentary on what went down in Moscow, Idaho, from CBN News and former writers from TheBlaze's Billy Hallowell and Tre Goins-Phillips — along with one of the carolers:

300 Christmas Carolers Met With Obnoxious Noise Machine and Hecklersyoutu.be

Christmas lights on home ripped as 'harmful,' 'reminder of divisions ... systemic biases.' Then anonymous critic gets holiday haranguing.



A Minnesota couple received an anonymous letter Monday criticizing the Christmas light display on their St. Anthony home as "harmful," Fox News noted.

Say what?

The letter to Kim Hunt and her husband started out like so: "I couldn't help but notice your Christmas lights display. During these unprecedented times, we have all experienced challenges which casual words just don't describe what we're feeling. The idea of twinkling, colorful lights are a reminder of divisions that continue to run through our society, a reminder of systemic biases against our neighbors who don't celebrate Christmas or who can't afford to put up lights of their own."

It adds that "we must do the work of educating ourselves about the harmful impact an outward facing display like yours can have."

Here's a look at the letter — and the "harmful" Christmas lights:

ICYMI: Here's the actual photo of the "offensive" Christmas lights... https://t.co/jIl9mj2L7A
— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls)1607434583.0

The letter writer then says, "I challenge you to respect the dignity of all people, while striving to learn from differences, ideas, and opinions of our neighbors. We must come together collectively and challenge these institutional inequities. St. Anthony is a community welcoming of all people, and we must demand better for ourselves."

What did Hunt have to say?

Hunt told Fox News that she and her husband were "very surprised, shocked, and saddened by the letter" — particularly since the lights give her a sense of "joy" when she returns from her job as a nurse working with COVID-19 patients.

She added to the cable network that "these times we live in are so divisive" and that it's "a sad statement that Christmas lights have to be a target."

"We need to be inclusive of everyone, and let's face it, a lot of people put up holiday lights or decorate their homes for other occasions to bring beauty and happiness to what can be a very ugly world," Hunt told Fox News, adding that three other homes in the area have received the same letter.

What did observers have to say?

As you might expect, the letter writer got an earful from Twitter users who saw the Crime Watch post containing the photo of the letter.

Fox News said former Baltimore Ravens quarterback Derek Anderson observed: "Saw this coming a long time ago. 'If I can't have it nobody can' or 'if they have it we all deserve it' that's not life."

Others had similar reactions:

  • "Ironic that the letter writer is doing exactly what they accuse the homeowner of doing — not being accepting of others," another commenter said. "I would redouble my lights."
  • "People just need to stop already!!" another user declared. "If I lived in that neighborhood I'd help the owner put up even more lights."
  • "If I were the recipient of that letter, I would put up THREE TIMES the amount of lights that I originally had put up," another commenter noted.

Santa Claus Is Immune To COVID, But Is He Safe From The Culture War?

The nation's top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, reassured families this week that Santa Claus was safe from COVID-19.