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Religion See other Religion Articles Title: 'You can call it a Christmas tree' - Law firm offers advice if critics bring case 'You can call it a Christmas tree' Law firm offers advice if critics bring case Posted: December 15, 2007 © 2007 http://WorldNetDaily.com Officials in an Arizona town have been told they can call their Christmas tree a Christmas tree, and if someone complains, they'll get advice from the Alliance Defense Fund, an activist legal organization. The organization said it has sent a letter to the town of Queen Creek, affirming that the use of the word "Christmas" does not violate the Constitution. "The American people, common sense, and the Constitution are clearly winning the war on Christmas waged by the Left," said Gary McCaleb, ADF senior counsel. "Unfortunately, the misguided belief that we must sanitize Christmas to keep from offending a small segment of the population exists." Residents of the Arizona town recently had bombarded officials with dozens of e-mails asking that the tree, now known as the "holiday tree," which was donated by a local family, be returned to its original Christmas tree designation. The tree stands outside city hall and is part of a tree-lighting ceremony held by the city. "We understanding that there is often a great deal of misinformation surrounding public acknowledgement and celebration of Christmas," the letter, signed by legal counsel Jeremy Tedesco, said. "Consequently, ADF has assisted municipalities across the country in separating fact from fiction in regard to seasonal expression by public bodies like Queen Creek. "Queen Creek does not violate the First Amendment when it uses the word 'Christmas' or incorporates religious references into its Christmas celebrations," the letter said. "Certainly erecting a Christmas tree and recognizing it for what it is offends no constitutional principles." The letter noted the courts even have recognized the government's display of a nativity scene as constitutional. "One need not look further than the United States president to see that governmental entities and officials are permitted to reference religion, and specifically Christmas …," he said. "At this year's lighting ceremony for the annual National Christmas Tree, President Bush made the following remarks:" Christmas is a time of rejoicing and reflection. Each year at this time, we rejoice in the proclamation of good news, that in Bethlehem of Judea, a Savior was born. And we rejoice in the Christmas promise of peace to men of goodwill. We also reflect on the mystery of Christmas: the story of the Almighty, who entered history in the most vulnerable form possible – hidden in the weakness of a newborn child…" "It is our opinion that Queen Creek need not fear legal liability for calling a Christmas tree a Christmas tree. Indeed, any lawsuit challenging a municipality's recognition of Christmas would be completely frivolous," the letter said. "I've always wanted it to be called a Christmas tree, and I've always wondered why we call it a holiday tree," Mayor Art Sanders told the Associated Press. "If we're going to have a holiday tree-lighting, it should be a Christmas tree, in the same way you wouldn't call a menorah a holiday candlestick." "ADF will continue to protect the right to publicly celebrate Christmas as well as other constitutionally protected religious liberties that are attacked," said McCaleb. "It is time to stop the ridiculous assault on a holiday celebrated by 95 percent of Americans." Related offer: Get your Christmas-defense kit now! Christmas Magnetic Bumper Sticker – Variety 3 Pack Thanksgiving Magnetic Bumper Sticker "Operation: Just Say 'Merry Christmas' Bracelet" Not just Christmas under attack – it's Christianity! Previous stories: Lowe's says 'family trees' a mistake Feds relent, angel ornament to be allowed Feds ban grandma's angel ornament on Christmas tree Park Service restores 'God' at Washington Monument Legion to ignore Veterans Affairs ban on 'God' Red, green lights to be banned? Voters to decide on Nativity display Nativity to be allowed in Capitol rotunda No Christmas at Seattle airport 'Nativity Project' promoting national celebration The real story of Seattle's Christmas trees 'Christmas' is semantics to Democrat Sen. Murray GOP's Hastert at war with Democrat over 'Christmas' tree Has the Gap banned 'Christmas'? Christians blast Chicago for 'Nativity' movie ban Restoring Christmas doesn't redeem Wal-Mart, critics say McClellan: Bush not comparing Jesus, Santa Spokesman stands by Jesus-Santa reference Bush's Jesus joke: 'Santa, thanks for coming' 'Christmas' trees vs. 'Holiday' trees Bush White House's Christ-less Christmas Christmas in America becomes battleground "One need not look further than the United States president to see that governmental entities and officials are permitted to reference religion, and specifically Christmas …," he said. "At this year's lighting ceremony for the annual National Christmas Tree, President Bush made the following remarks:" Christmas is a time of rejoicing and reflection. Each year at this time, we rejoice in the proclamation of good news, that in Bethlehem of Judea, a Savior was born. And we rejoice in the Christmas promise of peace to men of goodwill. We also reflect on the mystery of Christmas: the story of the Almighty, who entered history in the most vulnerable form possible – hidden in the weakness of a newborn child…" Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isa 9:7 Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Isa/Isa009.html#6 Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
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