Title: Church Nativity Scenes Take A Stand Against Immigration Raids In recent years, churches have been known to make bold statements through their nativity scenes during Christmas time. This year, however, some are taking it one step further by adding zip ties and gas masks to their displays in protest of immigration raids under the Trump administration. These reimagined nativities aim to place the ancient story into a contemporary frame, portraying the Holy Family as refugees to reflect on the fear of separation and deportation that many families are experiencing today. The idea behind these unconventional displays is not only to draw attention to the plight of immigrants but also to spark conversations about the role of churches in addressing social issues. Supporters argue that this form of protest is a creative way to engage with their communities and bring awareness to an important cause, while critics claim it’s sacrilegious and politically divisive. The historical context for these nativity scenes can be traced back to the early days of Christianity when art was used as a tool for teaching moral lessons and spreading religious messages. In more recent times, churches have often used their holiday decorations to make statements on various social issues such as war, poverty, and environmental concerns. As immigration enforcement intensifies under the Trump administration, these nativity scenes serve as powerful reminders of the human impact of these policies. They challenge us to consider how we can better support those who are forced to flee their homes due to violence or persecution. From my perspective, I believe that these unconventional nativity scenes have significant value in sparking conversations about immigration and social justice issues. While some may find them controversial, they remind us of the importance of using our voices and platforms to advocate for change. Ultimately, it is up to each individual parishioner to decide whether or not they support these displays; however, I believe that engaging with difficult topics through art can lead to meaningful dialogue and understanding among communities.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/13/nx-s1-5643532/church-nativity-scenes-protest-ice-immigration-raids)
#church
Check out my AI projects on Hugging Face, join our community on Discord, and explore my services at GhostAI!