By: Melanie Balakit, The Tennessean
A photo of a Nativity scene at a Spring Hill, TN., McDonald's has gone viral. A Facebook photo of the scene has been shared more than 82,000 times since last Monday. The photo shows a Nativity scene painted on the store's windows, with the phrases "His Name is Jesus" and "Rejoice" painted on the sides.
Amy Basel, who uploaded the photo to Facebook, said she was surprised it went viral.
“I thought, “What in the world? On a McDonald’s, and it’s Jesus? This is great!” said Basel, a Michigan native. "I was super excited about it and I took a picture."
The store's owners have decorated the windows for many years.
The front windows of a McDonald's in Spring Hill, Tenn. are painted with the scene of a nativity. (Photo: Shelley Mays / The Tennessean)
“Although we respect all values and beliefs, our window displays during the Christmas season have become something of a local tradition," said the store's owners and operators Gina and Tony Wolfe in a statement.
"As independent business owners, for many years, we have had the windows at our restaurants painted with similar messages. This is a tradition that my father started 40 years ago. We are surprised and happy that our windows have garnered attention across the country and are proud to be a part of this community," the Wolfes said.
The Wolfes own and operate McDonald's of Spring Hill, Columbia and Mount Pleasant.
"I just want God to be glorified. ... He's the one who wanted this to go to viral," said Basel, who owns a Bible and teaching non-profit.
Last month, some Christians criticized a plain red Starbucks cup for lacking Christmas images and Tennessee pastors printed signs with the phrase "Christmas is all about Jesus" with plans to distribute them throughout the state.
