The Nativity scene that went up in Monument Square on Dec. 8 has been joined by another symbol of the season. But unlike last year's Atheists' Pyramid, this year it's an obelisk called the Light of Peace that agreeably shares the north end of the square with the Nativity, rather than arguing with it.
The eight-ft. tall, white obelisk -- an octagonal structure about two-ft. in diameter at its base, culminating in a plexiglass lighted top -- is decorated with the word "peace" in many languages, along with the symbols of many different religions like a Christian cross, Jewish Star of David, an Islamic Crescent and Star, and Taoism's yin yang. The obelisk stands about 10-ft. from the Nativity, which was erected by the Racine Christmas Coalition of Churches.
The obelisk was erected Wednesday by members of Racine’s Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church. "We wanted to honor all traditions," said the Rev. Tony Larsen.
At its top, under the plexiglass pyramid, is a solar-powered light that will change colors.
THat is so much better than the unsightly pyramid and I love the symbols on it, all good, all representative of peace and love no matter the method of worship.
ReplyDeleteIt's tasteful, inclusive and positive. Best yet, no drama, just a message of peace to EVERYONE. Well done O. Brown.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see them install a permanent peace pole on the square!
ReplyDeleteIt is Christmas and not whatever else this "church" wants to celebrate. Celebrate on your own property. A permanent peace pole? Why? What will that celebrate? You want a peace pole, put one up in your yard. If not, leave Christmas alone.
ReplyDeleteTo the poster above who is perpetuating that ridiculous and selfish “War on Christmas” (read:Fox News Propaganda) crap:
ReplyDeleteIt isn't just Christmas, or do you not own a calendar? The Eid al Ahah was from 12/8 to 12/11, Hanukah runs from 12/21 to 12/28, and those are just the other major holidays in December...there are still others.
Anyway, there is no clear evidence that Jesus was even born in December, so why get all hung up on a specific day? I thought Christians are supposed to celebrate Him every day.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS and SEASONS GREATINGS!
I think it is beautiful and tasteful!
ReplyDeleteI cna't wait to see it. I personally don't care what they put up on Monument Square, as long as I don't have to pay for it. I have my own tree and celebrate Christmas just like I want. Aside to Afganistans...Ha Ha. To one and all Peace and Love
ReplyDeleteLets all have peace and a new LBGT center :)
ReplyDeleteHow can anyone argue with the message of Peace? I agree... it is beautiful, tasteful and understated. Why must some be so closed minded to others beliefs?
ReplyDelete"It is Christmas and not whatever else this 'church' wants to celebrate. Celebrate on your own property." -- Anonymous12/18/2008 3:57 PM
ReplyDeleteUnder Anonymous's logic, the Christian display doesn't belong on Monument Square, either, but I bet that's not what s/he intended to say.
Feliz Hannukah a todos!
It is also Hanukah, Winter Solstice and Kwanzza
ReplyDelete