Political Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Across the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that mock aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.
Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Chicago church, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from various religious and government officials.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including family separation and the deportation of working family members.
It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”
In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”