We at the Christian Law Association want to wish all of our friends, prayer partners, and supporters a wonderful Christmas season! The Lord has blessed us this year with victories in many circumstances where only He could have changed the hearts of those involved.

As usual, CLA has been deluged with calls this Christmas season regarding circumstances in which officials—primarily in government facilities, public schools, and municipalities—still do not seem to understand that celebrating Christmas remains legal in America. Despite some curious rumors to the contrary, Christmas displays are not illegal or unconstitutional, even when displayed on government property or in facilities funded with government money. There is no reason for government officials or others to promote the mistaken belief that the Constitution mandates banning religious activity on public property—either by the government itself or by private citizens or groups.

There is at least one government official who does understand what Christmas means to the vast majority of Americans. CLA would like to offer a sincere thank you to Missouri Governor Matt Blunt who has issued a directive encouraging his state’s employees to remember what the Christmas season is all about. Read what he had to say about this controversial issue:

Last year there was a great deal of public discussion regarding the Christmas season. Specifically, we heard from those who believe that the Christmas break should be called by a non-religious name such as “Winter Holiday.” They also argued that traditional Christmas greetings such as “Merry Christmas” should not be used.

Missouri state government employees should not have to worry about this matter. To ensure that there is no confusion regarding our state policy I am directing that each of you inform all members of your department that they should feel at ease using traditional holiday phrases, including “Merry Christmas,” and they should have no fear of official reprisal. I also ask that you inform your staff that the objections of those who are offended by these phrases be given due consideration, but that no state employee will be reprimanded or in any way disciplined for saying “Merry Christmas.”

This holiday season should not give state employees reason to feel as though they must check their religious views at the door of a government building. Instead, it is my hope that each state employee enjoys the holiday season with full confidence that their government exists to preserve their liberty rather than constrict it.”

We applaud Governor Blunt for using his public office to promote an accurate view of the law and for allowing government employees to freely express their personal beliefs! We congratulate the Governor of Missouri for taking a firm stand on the Constitution’s rights of free speech and religious expression. We pray that other elected officials will similarly protect the rights of their citizens and will not be swayed by those few who wish to eliminate all religious expression from the public square.

If you know any government officials or others who might be wondering whether they are legally required to censor Christmas, please share Gov. Blunt’s message with them and encourage them to take the same stand for liberty. May God bless you this holiday season, and may each of you have a very Merry CHRISTmas!