Provocative Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston
One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Windy City church, 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 simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both religious and government leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.
This is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays 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 universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”