Mixing Religion and Politics
They say religion and politics do not mix and maybe they are right. Just do not say that in Luzerne County Pennsylvania during Christmas Season. Religion, politics and government all come together here during the Holiday Season.
The Nativity Scene on the Courthouse Lawn
On December 6th I attended the annual Christmas Caroling on the Courthouse Lawn which is followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony inside the courthouse. The courthouse lawn has an interesting history. For decades a Nativity Scene was placed on the lawn for all to see and enjoy. Of course, there was an eventual court challenge and lawsuit. The lawsuit was resolved with a decision that the county government could continue to have a Nativity Scene on the lawn as long as other scenes from the Christmas Season were also on display. So Santa Claus, and candy canes and snow men were added to the Nativity Scene. The Christians who fought and won in court to save the Nativity Scene celebrate their victory by having a religious service in front of the Nativity Scene. The service includes Scripture Reading and singing. The message is keep Christ in Christmas and restore the moral fiber of America,
The Lighting of the Tree
After the service, we all went inside the courthouse for the Luzerne County Tree Lighting Ceremony. The introduction and seasons greetings were provided by Commissioner Chairwoman Maryanne Petrilla. This was followed by a musical performance by the King’s College Choir.
The lighting of the tree was accomplished by the grandchildren of Luzerne County Commissioner & Mrs. Thoma P. Cooney. The children are named Dale, Nancy, Mary, Autumn, David, and Christopher Winand Quinn Kelly.
Then came a musical performance by the Shavertown United Methodist Church Ringers and a second musical performance by the King’s College Choir. Refreshments were available before, during, and after the performance.
The Big Issue
The blending of church and state during the Holiday Season raises some serious issues. The Christians want to celebrate the birth of the Savior and restore the moral fabric of America. Certainly, that is understandable. The sixty four million dollar question is can these Christian obtain political power and restore America’s moral fiber, without persecuting other Christians and other citizens who disagree with their point of view? You be the judge.