Controversial Christmas Tree in South Korea

"...On Tuesday, a church illuminated a huge steel Christmas tree standing atop a South Korean peak that overlooks North Korean border towns, resuming a tradition condemned in Pyongyang as propaganda.

The lighting — which needed government permission — was a sign that President Lee Myung-bak's administration is serious about countering the North's aggression with measures of its own in the wake of the North's artillery bombardment.

The North warned the tree could trigger bloodshed on the peninsula.

For decades, the rival Koreas have fought an ideological war, using leaflets, loudspeakers and radio broadcasts across the border. At the height of the propaganda, South Korea's military speakers blared messages near the border 20 hours a day, officials say.

South Korea halted the campaign about seven years ago — including the Christmas tree lighting — as ties between North and South warmed under an era of reconciliation. The church had sought government permission to light the tree over the years, but had been denied until this year..." S. Korea Preps DrillTo 'Punish the Enemy' http://www.foxnews.mobi/quickPage.html?page=22995&external=638785.proteus.fma&pageNum=-1

Response to comment [from an atheist]:  "Good for them....I just hope it doesn't escalate into violence."

That was my thought, too (Joh 7:7). 

Controversial Christmas Tree in South Korea