Political Christmas Scenes at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston
One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.
Statements Spread Across the Country
These visual protests reflect the visible part played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency officials.
Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members.
It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”
