Political Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that critique hardline government immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Retelling in Evanston
One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.
Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.
Messages Spread Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership.
Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
According to those behind these displays, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political frame draws focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a physical way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”