Heading off a holiday controversy, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper said today the "Merry Christmas" sign will stay on the City and County Building.

The Denver Post reported Nov. 26 that Hickenlooper had decided that next year, an illuminated sign on the front of the building above a Nativity-scene display would read "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas."

"We're trying to be more inclusive," the mayor told The Post then.

The sign is part of the city's colorful holiday lighting display at city hall.

Today, Hickenlooper issued a statement saying the lights will continue to spell out "Merry Christmas."

"Last week a journalist accurately quoted my comments that a 'Happy Holidays' sign encompassing greetings for all religious and cultural observances would be an appropriate complement to the existing holiday display," the mayor said.

"I was under the impression (perhaps erroneously) that the existing 'Merry Christmas' sign was becoming worn out and would need to be replaced soon anyway.

"Over the past several days, it has become clear to me that there is strong community sentiment to maintain the 'Merry Christmas' sign, and I am glad to oblige.

"My intention was never to disrespect or slight anyone or any religious tradition. I apologize to anyone who may have been offended or mistakenly felt I was being anti-Christmas."

The mayor added: "'Hickenlooper' might have two O's, but I am not 'Scrooge."'

"We are happy to keep the 'Merry Christmas' sign, and perhaps we can explore the possibility of also adding a 'Happy Holidays' sign to the display next year," he said.

A Nativity scene depicting Jesus and other biblical figures has been a part of the city display for decades.

In the 1980s, a group unsuccessfully sued the city, arguing the creche violates the constitutionally guaranteed separation between church and state.

But the U.S. and Colorado supreme courts ruled that Nativity scenes can be installed on government property if decorations also include other, more secular figures such as Santa Claus, reindeer and toy soldiers, as Denver's does.

"Over the decades, some have questioned the appropriateness of a nativity scene at the City and County Building," Hickenlooper's statement said today, "but the courts decided that issue long ago. The Nativity scene remains a part of the holiday display, and out of respect for a longstanding community tradition, there are no plans otherwise."

Denver Post staff writer Susan Greene contributed to this report.