Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

The fight to preserve Santa Monica's traditional nativity scenes from atheists has not ended despite a ruling from a judge that the city can dump the tradition rather than referee fights started by atheists.

SANTA MONICA, CA (Catholic Online) - Church groups intent on keeping their tradition alive for locals and tourists to enjoy have vowed to fight on, although they haven't decided what strategy to employ.

Under the ruling, they may still erect a display, but it must be attended at all times.

Some residents said they would prefer a view of the ocean than the obstruction of the display anyway.

While believers may be prepared to wait until the city council is formed of more friendly leadership, there is no reason why the displays cannot be set up elsewhere, such as in other nearby parks and on church property.

Unfortunately, those areas enjoy much less foot traffic, thus keeping the Christmas message away from those who need most to hear it.

The entire argument is somehow reminiscent of Mary and Joseph's search for a place to give birth to our Savior on that first Christmas over two millennia ago.

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Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.