The familiar scene of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus graced the lawn for years on city property near the Moses Lake library and finally at Neppel Park last year.

That was until the Nativity's owner, the Moses Lake Kiwanis Club, decided the Nativity should be moved because a community member complained Christianity was being endorsed over other religions.

As a result, the Moses Lake City Council agreed on Jan. 8, 2007, to quit allowing all religious symbols on city property. The city council was concerned other interpretations of Christmas could be stolen or vandalized.

Last year, the city received a lot of flack for its decision, which was based on the state Supreme Court's ruling that one religion shouldn't be displayed over others.

It's Christmas again and the Nativity is gone from city property for the first time.

And just one woman called the city recently asking where the Nativity was, said City Administrator Joseph Gavinski on Dec. 18.

But it turns out there was a somewhat happy ending to the Nativity saga.

The Nativity is now on private property at the intersection of Division Street and Fourth Avenue, said Kiwanis Club President Dean Mitchell.

"We were extremely overwhelmed from people in the community," Mitchell said, referring to offers to display the Nativity elsewhere.

I understand and respect the separation of church and state. I have to admit, though, I was saddened to see the Nativity go.

I'm not upset over the Nativity's new home. At least it's not packed away never to be used again.

It's placed in an area where people will continue to enjoy it.

Lynne Lynch is the Columbia Basin Herald Grant County reporter. Her joining the staff is like a Christmas gift for her co-workers.