Anika Markle 
Artist rendition of Nativity Scene at U.S. Capitol Copyright Surveee.org
For the first time in history, a Nativity scene was displayed at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, marking a major milestone for public expressions of faith in America. This momentous event took place on the southeastern steps of the Capitol, made possible by a federal court ruling in May. The court determined that the Capitol steps are a public area, granting the same protections for religious displays as any other form of free speech.
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, who led the charge for this historic display, fought in court for the right to honor the birth of Jesus Christ on Capitol grounds. “The ‘People’s House’ must be a place where all Americans can peacefully celebrate their First Amendment rights,” Mahoney said in his lawsuit.
Rev. Mahoney shared the significance of the court decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting on how far the fight for public displays of faith has come.
Rev. Mahoney Twitter
“Seven months ago, we would’ve been arrested for having this Nativity Display on the steps of the U.S. Capitol,” he wrote. “But we won a historic federal lawsuit through the incredible work of the Center for American Liberty!”
He emphasized the importance of the Christmas message in today’s world: “In a hurting and wounded world, there is no more redemptive and healing message than the Christmas story. The hopeful declaration of ‘Peace on earth, goodwill toward men’ is one that needs to be heard and embraced by all Americans.”
Mahoney celebrated the display as a powerful victory for religious freedom and the First Amendment. “This is a significant win for public expressions of faith,” he said. “If Christmas can be celebrated in the most powerful public square in America, it can be celebrated publicly everywhere.”
The event featured carolers and a reading of the Christmas story by Rev. Mahoney, a Reformed Presbyterian minister. Standing on the Capitol steps, he quoted the prophet Isaiah: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Mahoney said.