BISMARCK – For the first time ever, the State Capitol in North Dakota will have a Nativity scene next to the state Christmas tree in Memorial Hall.

The simple stable with Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the Angel will be blessed and lighted during an ecumenical celebration today at 4 p.m. It is being done in conjunction with the Thomas More Society, a national not-for-profit law firm, which has teamed up with the American Nativity Scene to help keep privately funded manger scenes in the public square for Christmas.

The half-hour program will include North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger, Catholic Daughters North Dakota State Chaplain Rev. Franklin Miller, New Song Church Pastor Kurt Chaffee, the St. Mary’s Central High School Concert Choir, and group singing of traditional Christmas carols. The North Dakota Catholic Daughters of the Americas is organizing the creche display.

“We are excited to share the Christmas message with the public, as the Constitution allows us to do,” said Laurel Ann Dukart, State Regent of the North Dakota Catholic Daughters and spokesperson for the North Dakota Nativity Scene. “More than just an opportunity to share our Christian faith, it is a chance to invite everyone to seek peace on earth and goodwill to all,” she added.

The mission of the American Nativity Scene is to place a nativity display within or directly outside state capitol buildings across America. By this Christmas, there will be 26 state capitol manger scenes on display, according to Thomas More Society and American Nativity Scene information.

The Nativity will be on display at the State Capitol through Sunday, Dec. 8.