A Chicago church has transformed its Nativity scene into a powerful critique of President Trump's deportation campaign. The display, at Lake Street Church in Evanston, features baby Jesus with zip-ties around his hands, symbolizing the harsh treatment of immigrants and refugees by federal agents.
The Rev. Michael Woolf, pastor of Lake Street Church, explained that the scene was inspired by a similar design from a Catholic church in Boston, but with a local twist. "We're highlighting what it would be like if Jesus came into being in Chicago," he said. "It's not that dissimilar from the context we would find in the scripture."
The scene has been met with praise from some community members, who see it as a powerful commentary on the treatment of immigrants. Ann Hammond, an Evanston resident, said the display is "an honest and true" representation of what's happening in her community. "We need to protect our neighbors," she said. "We can't pretend that we live in a fair and just world."
However, not everyone has been supportive. The Department of Homeland Security has called the Nativity scene "offensive to Christians" and accused it of demonizing law enforcement.
Similar displays have appeared at other churches around the Chicago area, including Urban Village Church West in River Forest, where an empty manger and signs that say the Holy Family is hiding from ICE have been set up. The Rev. Abby Holcombe, pastor of Urban Village Church West, said her faith instructs her to advocate for immigrants and refugees. "Jesus said, 'Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me,'" she quoted.
The Nativity scene at Lake Street Church has sparked a lively debate about immigration policy and its impact on local communities. While some have criticized it as too politicized, others see it as a necessary reminder of the values of compassion and justice that are central to the Christian faith.
The Rev. Michael Woolf, pastor of Lake Street Church, explained that the scene was inspired by a similar design from a Catholic church in Boston, but with a local twist. "We're highlighting what it would be like if Jesus came into being in Chicago," he said. "It's not that dissimilar from the context we would find in the scripture."
The scene has been met with praise from some community members, who see it as a powerful commentary on the treatment of immigrants. Ann Hammond, an Evanston resident, said the display is "an honest and true" representation of what's happening in her community. "We need to protect our neighbors," she said. "We can't pretend that we live in a fair and just world."
However, not everyone has been supportive. The Department of Homeland Security has called the Nativity scene "offensive to Christians" and accused it of demonizing law enforcement.
Similar displays have appeared at other churches around the Chicago area, including Urban Village Church West in River Forest, where an empty manger and signs that say the Holy Family is hiding from ICE have been set up. The Rev. Abby Holcombe, pastor of Urban Village Church West, said her faith instructs her to advocate for immigrants and refugees. "Jesus said, 'Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me,'" she quoted.
The Nativity scene at Lake Street Church has sparked a lively debate about immigration policy and its impact on local communities. While some have criticized it as too politicized, others see it as a necessary reminder of the values of compassion and justice that are central to the Christian faith.
. I mean, who hasn't been in a situation where they needed help and didn't get it? It's like, what would Jesus do if he was in their shoes? The fact that some people are calling it "offensive" just shows how divided we are on this issue. I think it's great that the church is using art to spark conversations about compassion and justice 
. And you know what? I'd rather have a scene like this than one that just glosses over the problems of immigration. We need more reminders that our neighbors are human beings too, deserving of respect and dignity 
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, I love how the church is using art to speak out against injustice & show empathy for marginalized communities 
. and yeah, the DHS response is pretty ridiculous 
. as for the other church in River Forest, that empty manger setup is so hauntingly beautiful 
. it's amazing how faith can be a powerful force for change & advocacy 
.
honestly i'm getting so tired of these church displays turning into politics... like dont get me wrong i love seeing people take a stand on issues but can we just keep them separate?? this nativity scene thing is kinda cool in theory but now im worried about ppl getting called out for "demonizing law enforcement"... come on, it's not that deep. 
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. It's not always easy to have these kinds of conversations, but sometimes that's exactly what we need - a reminder to look out for one another 
. Just wish some people wouldn't get so defensive about it 
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... like, what's next? They're gonna put zip-ties on Mary's hands too?! I feel like they're trying to drive a point home but it's getting lost in the heat of the moment 
. Some people are hella passionate about this, while others just don't get it 
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[A picture of Baby Jesus with zip-ties around his hands, with a thought bubble saying "Uh, no thanks!"]
[An image of President Trump holding a "Wanted" poster for Baby Jesus]
[A GIF of people walking into a nativity scene, but instead of angels and shepherds, it's immigration lawyers and ICE agents]
[A GIF of a big red X marked through a nativity scene, with a caption "NO WAY!"]
? It's like, really making you think about what it means to be human.
. We do need to protect our neighbors, right? 
And I'm all for people using their faith to advocate for justice and compassion 
. It's like, yeah, we're all in this together, fam 
. And honestly, I think more ppl should be having these kinds of conversations 
. But at the same time, if it makes people think about how we treat those who are already here and need help, then maybe it's a good thing 
. I mean, have you seen the way DHS is cracking down on immigrants? It's like they're trying to make a spectacle out of it. The church's display might be provocative, but it's also a reminder that we need to stand up for our most vulnerable neighbors 
. Democrats would probably love this display and use it as a talking point, while Republicans would try to spin it as some kind of "Christian" issue. Give me a break! 
. And you know what really gets me is how some folks are trying to spin it as "offensive" 
. It's like, we're not just talking about politics here, we're talking about humanity 
Just saying... 
It's like, we need to see ourselves in that scenario, you know? And I think it's dope that some people are using their faith to speak out against injustice. I'm not saying everyone agrees with this approach, but it's definitely making us think about our values and what we stand for as a community. 
. By using a familiar symbol like Jesus and then subverting it with a powerful message, the Rev. Woolf has created a visually striking commentary that encourages viewers to think critically about the treatment of immigrants 
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. If we truly follow the teachings of Jesus, shouldn't we be advocating for the safety and dignity of all people, regardless of their immigration status? 
The fact that some people are callin' it "offensive" just shows me that we gotta keep pushin' boundaries and sparkin' conversations about what it means to be human 
. If someone takes a stance on an issue like this, they should be able to handle some criticism 
. The fact that similar displays are popping up around Chicago shows that people are willing to take a stand & speak out against injustice 
The Nativity scene thing is actually kinda deep, though - what if Jesus came into this world as an undocumented immigrant? It's like, we're talking about a guy who was basically homeless and didn't have a job when he showed up. So, yeah, I get why they'd wanna highlight the struggles of those in our community...