Seasonal & Holidays
Baby Jesus Debuts December 20 in Oklahoma City State Rotunda
Oklahoma State Capitol Nativity Scene Ensures the Grinch Won't Steal This Year's Christmas
This Christmas season marks the debut of the Baby Jesus at the Oklahoma State Capitol. For the first time, beginning on December 20, 2021, at 8 a.m. (Central), a Nativity Scene will be displayed on the same property that hosts the Oklahoma Legislature and Oklahoma Governor’s offices.
WHAT: Oklahoma State Capitol Nativity Scene
WHEN: Monday, December 20, 2021, daily through December 23, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Central) through Wednesday, December 22, and on Thursday, December 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Central)
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WHERE: 2nd floor of the Rotunda (between the Governor’s office and the Supreme Court Chambers) at the Oklahoma State Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
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The Oklahoma State Capitol Nativity is one of many scheduled to be erected at state capitol buildings across America this Christmas, proof that the holiday celebrating the birth of Christ is alive and well in 2021. Supply chain shortages, COVID-19-prompted social distancing, and an industry-announced scarcity of Christmas trees, have brought about fears that festivities could be dampened this year.
“There are always people who would intentionally play the Grinch and try to steal the spirit of Christmas,” observed Alex Hilton, who is coordinating the Oklahoma City State Capitol Nativity. “Others would allow Christmas tree shortages, COVID restrictions, or manufacturing and distribution problems to take the ‘merry’ out of Christmas. But the true joy of the season is not found in the trappings of trees, parties, or purchased gifts. It resides in the hearts of those who celebrate the humble birth of the Christ Child – the King of Kings.”
Hilton is one of many citizens across America keeping the “Christ” in Christmas this year, as the Thomas More Society and the American Nativity Scene help private groups to display Biblical manger scenes on government property this Christmas.
The following state capitols featured a nativity scene in 2020: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Additionally, for Christmas 2021, state capitols are scheduled to feature nativity displays for the first time in Alaska, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
About the Thomas More Society
The Thomas More Society is a national not-for-profit law firm dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, and religious liberty. Headquartered in Chicago and with offices across the country, the Thomas More Society fosters support for these causes by providing high quality pro bono legal services from local trial courts all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. For more information, visit thomasmoresociety.org.
About the American Nativity Scene
The American Nativity Scene is dedicated to the display of nativity scenes in every state capitol in America during the Christmas season. The committee ships nativity scenes, which have been donated by an anonymous benefactor, to citizens throughout the United States who wish to give witness to the true meaning of Christmas by setting up a privately funded crèche in a public forum. The Thomas More Society provides the organization with legal help in securing permits and defending challenges as needed. Visit americannativityscene.com.