I doubt that Thomas Jefferson would object to the Nativity scene on the courthouse lawn as suggested by one of your letter guests. 

Jefferson not only approved and attended Christian church services held in a government building (U.S. Capitol) during his presidency, he also called for days of prayer, sponsored religious bills, and actively promoted Christian groups and organizations. 

The history of the separation between church and state centers on preventing the state from usurping control of the church, either by changing its doctrines or punishing religious expression.