Political Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ 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 church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various diocesan and government leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.
It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms
The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”
