This is so wrong.
An Illinois church is under fire after unveiling a highly controversial Nativity scene that critics say twists the story of Jesus’ birth into a political stunt aimed squarely at President Donald Trump and his immigration policies.
Lake Street Church of Evanston placed the installation outdoors on its property, featuring baby Jesus zip-tied, wrapped in a metallic blanket, and watched over by figures dressed like modern ICE agents. The church admits the foil-style wrap is meant to mimic emergency blankets used at border facilities, turning what millions consider a holy symbol into a political message.
The display goes further: Mary and Joseph were originally shown wearing masks, with the church claiming Mary’s protective gear was meant to shield her from “tear gas.” The ICE-themed Roman soldiers wear sunglasses and green vests labeled “ICE.”
Church Claims the Nativity Is Really About Modern Immigration Enforcement
In a lengthy Facebook post, the church argued that the display “reimagines the Nativity” as a story of forced family separation—directly comparing the Holy Family to migrants detained at the U.S. border. The post claims Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were “refugees,” and suggests that celebrating Christmas without embracing this political interpretation is ignoring “reality.”
For many Christians, especially older Americans who view the Nativity with deep reverence, the comparison was immediately seen as disrespectful.
This same church regularly features Black Lives Matter and social-justice banners, and leaders openly admit the display is meant to make people “uncomfortable.”
Public Reaction: Americans Call Out Blasphemy and Political Propaganda
As images spread online, the backlash grew rapidly. Many commenters accused the church of misusing religious symbols to shame conservatives and undermine border security.
One person wrote: “Joseph and Mary traveled for the legal Roman census. That’s not being a refugee. Trump simply enforces existing law. If people want to come legally, they can.”
Another commenter said the display was nothing short of “blasphemy.”
And many pointed out what conservatives have argued for years: The Left consistently weaponizes religion only when it serves their politics—and ignores it the rest of the year.
Some progressives, however, celebrated the display, calling it “powerful art” meant to provoke reactions and “trigger the masses in a positive way.”
Church Quietly Backtracks After Outrage
After days of criticism, observers noticed that the church removed Mary’s gas mask and cut the zip ties from baby Jesus’ wrists—a subtle walk-back the church has not publicly explained.
Not the First Time This Church Has Politicized Christmas
Lake Street Church has a history of using Nativity scenes to push political messages.
In 2023, the church displayed baby Jesus alone in a pile of rubble as a statement about the conflict in Gaza.
The church’s senior minister, Rev. Michael Woolf, is no stranger to activism either. He was among 21 protesters arrested on Nov. 14 outside an ICE processing center in Broadview, Illinois.
Why This Story Hits a Nerve for Millions of Americans
For many conservative and Christian Americans—especially those 50 and older—the Nativity is sacred.
Seeing it turned into a political billboard feels like an attack not just on Trump, not just on immigration law—but on the faith itself.
This controversy also highlights a growing trend: Some churches are abandoning traditional teachings in favor of progressive political messaging, even during the Christmas season.
