LANSING, Mich. >> Christians and Satanists put up competing displays Sunday on the Michigan Capitol grounds as Christmas week got underway.

The Detroit chapter of the Satanic Temple set up its "Snaketivity Scene" featuring a snake offering a book called "Revolt of the Angels" as a gift. The snake is wrapped around the Satanic cross on the 3-by-3-foot display. Capitol rules require that displays must be taken down each night. 

In a videotaped interview with the Lansing State Journal, Satanic Temple spokeswoman Jex Blackmore said her group doesn’t worship Satan, but does promote individuality, compassion and views that differ from Christian and conservative beliefs.

"Having our government endorse one singular viewpoint or method of celebrating the season is problematic when we have a diverse community of people in Michigan," Blackmore said.

Word of the Satanic Temple’s plans led state Sen. Rick Jones, a Grand Ledge Republican, to erect a Nativity scene Friday featuring baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary. He put it back up Sunday morning.

Jones said he was happy to "represent the light and not the darkness." 

"They could have put theirs up in July or April or sometime. They didn’t need to put it up in the Christmas season," Jones said. "That’s OK. We’re going to ignore them."

Blackmore told MLive.com that her group is "really pleased to be part of what is perhaps a new holiday tradition at the Capitol."