“We are so very thankful for the opportunity to share the joyful and powerful message of Christmas at the steps of the United States Capitol,” Mahoney said. “In a hurting and wounded world, there is no more redemptive and healing message than the Christmas story. The hopeful declaration of ‘Peace on earth, goodwill toward man,’ is one that needs to be heard and embraced by all Americans.”

Mahoney then quoted Isaiah 9:6, where the prophet hails the Messiah as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

“This is also a significant victory for religious freedom and the 1st Amendment,” Mahoney added. “This event has ended and won the war on Christmas in the public square.”