Political Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite complaints from various religious and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context draws focus to current government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous families today, including family separation and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”