Evanston, Illinois is home to a church that has chosen to present a Nativity scene with a bold message, stirring conversation and, unfortunately, attracting vandalism. The Lake Street Church’s display aims to reinterpret the timeless story of the holy family, embedding it with modern-day issues surrounding federal immigration enforcement.
Set on the church’s front lawn, the scene features a solitary baby Jesus in the manger, flanked by Roman centurions reimagined as agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The intention was to confront viewers with a contemporary social justice narrative.
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However, this powerful commentary did not sit well with everyone. Vandals attacked the display, severely damaging the statue of Mary, which, like Joseph, was depicted with a gas mask—a stark symbol of ongoing immigration debates.
“We knew the images might disturb some people. It is indeed unsettling, because these issues are real,” explained Jill Westerfield, Associate Minister at Lake Street Church. “To see these realities represented, even through mannequins and dolls, is distressing because it mirrors events occurring in our world.”
Activism runs deep in the veins of Lake Street Church, which has consistently voiced its opposition to federal immigration measures. According to Westerfield, the concept for this provocative Nativity scene began forming back in October, as a means to spark dialogue and reflection on pressing societal issues.
Westerfield says the church has a long history of activism. It has been outspoken against federal immigration enforcement. And Westerfield says plans for the Nativity scene started taking shape in October.
“We were really thinking about what we have seen in our community. I live in Belmont Cragin in Chicago, and so even before ICE came to Evanston, I was seeing it in my own community,” Westerfield said.
Last week, vandals nearly flattened the whole display. The church added a new sign, saying Mary was beaten and dragged away in front of her son.
Vandals removed zip ties from baby Jesus’ hands, a reference to the raid on a South Shore apartment building where some people have said children were brought outside with their hands in zip ties. The government denies that claim.
“We have so many people who have been really supportive, people who are driving by the church and slowing down to say, ‘Hey, we really love it. Thank you for doing this.’ And one or two people who have wanted to physically remove something or destroy the art,” Westerfield said.
Westerfield says while it may be jarring, the scene serves a greater purpose.
The Nativity scene will remain like this until Christmas Eve, when, Westerfield says, there may be some changes made to the display that she hopes will be the delight of the community.
