Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE
Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.
Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Windy City place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both diocesan and agency leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these displays, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging 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 sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At another church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”
