Political Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.
Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Windy City church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and agency officials.
Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
According to those behind these displays, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.
It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”
