In the wake of last week's international fracas about Sony deciding not to release a new movie when threatened by a nation in the Far East, debaters mostly sided with free speech. Few people realized there had been a similar event a month before in the American Midwest.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, annually holds its fall "Paint the Plow" event, in which students from area schools are invited to paint some of the city's huge snow plow blades with appropriate artwork. This year, however, the event became a battle after an atheist complained.
You see, it was October and with Christmas coming, it wasn't surprising some Christian students decided to paint about Jesus. One plow showed the traditional red and white Coca-Cola logo but read, “Jesus Christ” and quoted John 1:14. The other plow blade displayed a cross and manger and read, “Happy Birthday Jesus.” The artwork was by students from two area Lutheran Schools.
It also wasn't surprising that a local atheist complained to the city attorney that such things were inappropriate on city-owned equipment. “That was a clear endorsement of religion, and it was on city property,” he said. Score one for the Grinch!
But the battle wasn't over. Past students had painted religious themes on those plows, but no one complained. However, faced with a First Amendment battle, concerned city officials told the schools to repaint their artwork. One of the Lutheran principals said there wasn’t time, so the city could paint over the designs themselves.
Letters to the editor began falling like hailstones, so a statement was quickly issued by the city noting this long-standing program had allowed students from all community schools to paint and design the plow blades. Despite the complaint, the students had broken no laws, so their artwork would remain in place. Score a win for Jesus and free speech!
Whoever you are reading this, think how blessed that you can share your faith without fear, at Christmas or any time with a simple "Merry Christmas!" "For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given." (Isaiah 9:6) And that child is the Savior of all who turn to Him in faith, even a Grinch!
Happy Birthday Jesus!
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