Christmas is fast approaching, and once again we're hearing the argument over whether it's a Christmas tree or a holiday tree. Those in the holiday tree camp try to point to the First Amendment to support their case. Unfortunately for them, it does just the opposite.

The First Amendment states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Yes, that's all it says. Notice you don't see the phrase "separation of church and state" anywhere in there. In fact, you won't find that phrase anywhere in the entire Constitution. Surprised?"

This oft repeated phrase comes from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist Association. What it actually says is,

...I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.

Remember, many of the earliest colonists were fleeing a country because they weren't allowed to practice their religion. The last thing our Founding Fathers wanted was a country that followed in England's footsteps, establishing a national religion, and forbidding the practice of other faiths. That's what the First Amendment is all about.

Sadly, too many people today have turned our freedom of religion into freedom from religion. God forbid we call it a Christmas tree, allow a nativity scene to be displayed, etc. We've removed prayer from schools. There's been a serious war on faith all across this nation. Our Founding Fathers would be incensed.