By Beth Rogers
Speech Tells How Nation's Leaders Perceived The Role Christianity Has Played In U.S. History
Beth Rogers of Springfield is a highly respected pro-family activist. The following speech was given at the Second Annual Opening Day Ceremony of the Springfield Nativity Scene in the Illinois state Capitol Rotunda Building on December 1, 2009. Rogers is also a member of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee.
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I will begin by reading from a public document from the Preamble of the Illinois State Constitution, “We the people of the State of Illinois grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He has permitted us to enjoy and seeking His blessing upon our endeavors in order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the people to maintain a representative and orderly government. “
We have gathered here today to celebrate a long standing tradition and to exercise First Amendment rights of the United States Constitution. The First Amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion nor prohibit the free exercise thereof. The Constitution was signed 'in the year of our Lord 1787'". For the second year in a row, the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee has sponsored a display depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. This display stands in accordance with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which provides for such religious expression in the public square.
The birth of Christ was over 2,000 years ago and the Christmas tradition has been around long before our nation was founded. The tradition continued in the United States even as President George Washington’s family celebrated Christmas.
There is an historical significance of Christmas because of the major role that Christianity has played in our heritage and history. The majority of our Founding Fathers had a Christian worldview. This is evidenced in their many references to God and the Holy Scriptures. Thomas Jefferson believed that God, not government, was the Author and source of our inalienable rights. For over 200 years, our past presidents have taken their oath of office on the Bible. Even President Barrack Obama took his oath on Abraham Lincoln’s personal Bible. Abraham Lincoln made many references to God. He said, “The Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man.” This book contains the story of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, his life and his death on a cross. When the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library opened in Springfield in 2005, one of the songs that was sung in the public square was "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." The fourth verse in this song says:
“In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me,
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on."
There is evidence of the role of faith throughout our American history.
From at least 1789 there is an unbroken history of official acknowledgement of God by all three branches of our government.
1. Our Presidents have had prayer and acknowledgements of God.
2. Congress opens with prayer.
3. Since 1789 the Supreme Court opens its business with the words, “God save the United States and this honorable court.”
There are numerous examples in Washington, D.C. of an undeniable link between the U.S. government and God--from U.S. Currency to the government buildings. The Supreme Court has the Ten Commandments inscribed in four places. The Washington Monument includes a Bible in its cornerstone. The White House, Library of Congress and the Jefferson Memorial all have references to God. This is evidence that our forefathers believed in God and biblical principles.
CHRISTMAS
Christmas is a federal holiday with a SPECIFIC NAME.
The Supreme Court has acknowledged that government has long recognized holidays with religious significance such as Christmas.
The United States post office has issued stamps with Mary & Jesus with the words “Christmas” on the stamp. The stamp highlights a detail of Italian artist Salvi's painting, "Madonna and Child," circa 1685.
The true meaning of Christmas offers the message about the birth of Jesus Christ who came to earth to die for the sins of mankind. We pray thousands will join in this celebration and enjoy the beauty and majesty of the Christmas story. In the spirit of tradition and honoring our eternal Creator, we wish you a very Merry Christmas.
RELATED ARTICLE: Separation of Church + State Myth: Founding Fathers' True View On Religion's Role In Government: http://rffm.typepad.com/republicans_for_fair_medi/2008/09/the-separation-of-church-and-state-myth-the-founding-fathers-their-true-view-on-religions-role-in-government.html
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