Satirical Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.
This 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.
Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”
