Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration policies. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.
A Stark Retelling in Evanston
One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Chicago church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These visual protests reflect the visible part played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite criticism from various religious and agency officials.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame draws focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”
