A Christmas billboard meant to advertise Rubyville Community Church’s holiday services got an unwanted makeover early Friday morning when vandals spray-painted the word “PHARISEES” across it — turning a simple holiday message into a countywide conversation.
🚨 Midnight Vandalism on Gallia
Just after 12:30 a.m., deputies responded to the scene near the filtration plant on Gallia Street after someone reported the sign had been defaced.
Officers also found a disabled vehicle nearby, but determined it had nothing to do with the vandalism.
Police contacted a representative from the church to inform them of the damage, and the pastor later came to the police department to file an official report.
✝️ Why “Pharisees”?
The vandal painted the word “Pharisees” across the church’s Christmas billboard — a term from the Bible referring to a strict religious sect known for enforcing rules while lacking compassion.
Today, calling someone a Pharisee is often used as an insult, especially in church disputes.
It’s meant to accuse someone of being:
- hypocritical
- judgmental
- overly legalistic
- more focused on rules than kindness
In modern Christian circles, it’s basically the equivalent of saying,
“You act holy, but you’re not living it.”
🌟 “Opposite Effect,” Says Commissioner Powell
Scioto County Commissioner Scottie Powell shared a photo of the vandalism on Facebook and suggested the act may have backfired on the vandals:
“I don’t think the vandals realize their actions are having the opposite effect.
What was once a Christmas billboard that some may or may not have noticed has now gained the attention of even more people and allowed the Church to shine brighter.”
He ended with a reminder many parishioners echoed online:
“Jesus IS the Reason for the Season.”
👀 Investigation Continues
The vandalism remains under investigation, and police encourage anyone with information about who defaced the billboard to contact them.
Meanwhile, the message intended to promote a simple Christmas service has traveled far beyond the side of the highway — proving that sometimes, even vandalism can’t dim the spotlight on the season.