Satanists inspire Lansing Capitol Nativity scene

Following news that the Satanic Temple will erect their own holiday display at Lansing's Capitol grounds, MLive points out that plans for a Christmas Nativity display were never solidified — that is, until now.

Efforts by an unnamed out-of-state resident to place a Nativity scene on the Capitol grounds inspired the Satanic display in the first place, but never came to fruition as the resident couldn't find locals to help set up and take down the display. The rules for use of the Capitol grounds dictate that displays can only be up between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.

However, following the news of the Satanic display, Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth loaned a three-piece Nativity scene to St. John Church and Student Center, an East Lansing Catholic church whose volunteers will set up and take down the display each day.

"They certainly have the right to put that up," company president Wayne Bronner told MLive of the Satanic display. "I think it's really a shame. When I was a child these issues never came up. Now a vocal minority is making a big issue of it. I just think it's very sad that a vocal minority is pushing people around."

For their part, the Satanic Temple "holds to a firm belief in a strong separation of Church and State, but works to ensure plurality wherever there is a breach in the divide," they said in a release. 

The Nativity set, available on Bronner's commercial website, features an adorable little blonde baby Jesus. What it certainly lacks in historical accuracy it makes up for in cuteness.