PROVIDENCE, R.I. Dec. 21, 2012 /Standard Newswire/ -- Today, Friday, December 21, 2012 at 4:00 pm, Catholics, Christians, and faithful will hold a Nativity lighting in the main rotunda at the Rhode Island Statehouse to celebrate that the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ.

"December 21st is the darkest day of the year and we want to shine light into it, the light of the world - Jesus Christ!" said Christopher Young. He and Kara Russo Young organized the lighting.

In addition to the Nativity lighting, which is next to the menorah and the Christmas tree, participants will sing Christmas carols. All those who wish to share in a beautiful celebration of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, are invited to attend.

• What: Nativity Lighting
   
• When: Friday, December 21, 2012, at 4 p.m.
   
• Where: Rhode Island Statehouse, Main Rotunda, 82 Smith Street, Providence

The Youngs used Luke 2:9-11 from the Bible as inspiration for the lighting: "The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.'"

"So long as these Christmas religious displays and ceremonies are privately sponsored, funded, and held in traditional public forums, they are constitutionally protected," said Thomas Brejcha, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Society.

The Thomas More Society assisted the Youngs with legal counsel and offers legal help to any individuals or citizen groups interested in putting up similar Nativity Scenes -- privately sponsored and funded -- in any traditional public forum in their own towns, villages, or hamlets. The Society can be reached at 312-782-1680, www.thomasmoresociety.org