Nativity Scenes Spark Tradition and Controversy This Christmas Season
Introduction: The Enduring Significance of Nativity Scenes
As Christmas 2025 unfolds, nativity scenes remain at the heart of holiday celebrations across the globe, serving as powerful symbols of faith, hope, and cultural identity. These displays are “not merely Christmas decorations, but signs of communion, calls to peace and to the care of creation, and invitations to universal fraternity,” reflecting the tradition begun by St. Francis of Assisi over 800 years ago. This year, however, nativity scenes have taken on new dimensions—from traditional Vatican displays to controversial installations addressing contemporary social issues, particularly immigration policy.
Vatican’s Traditional Christmas Celebrations
The Vatican’s Christmas tree and Nativity Scene were officially inaugurated in St. Peter’s Square on 15 December as part of the church’s annual celebration. The nativity scene came from the diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno in southern Italy, whilst the 82-foot Christmas tree originated from the Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone in northern Italy. Additionally, a Costa Rican nativity entitled ‘Nacimiento Gaudium’ features 28,000 coloured ribbons, each representing a life preserved from abortion thanks to prayers and support provided by Catholic organizations.
Nativity Scenes as Social Commentary
Several American churches have reimagined nativity scenes to address immigration enforcement, sparking intense debate. Some U.S. churches are surrounding the Holy Family with ICE agents or separating Jesus from Mary and Joseph to protest the Trump administration’s intensifying immigration crackdowns. Churches in Charlotte, River Forest, and Dedham have created displays depicting immigration agents near the Holy Family, with some replacing traditional figures entirely with signs referencing ICE activity. These installations have drawn criticism from some quarters whilst others defend them as theologically consistent with the Christmas narrative.
Living Nativity Traditions Continue
The living nativity outside Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in the Bronx is a beloved Christmas tradition, demonstrating how communities continue to celebrate through interactive displays featuring live actors and animals. These presentations offer families immersive experiences that bring the Christmas story to life in memorable ways.
Conclusion: Nativities Bridge Faith and Contemporary Life
Whether traditional or controversial, nativity scenes in 2025 demonstrate their continuing relevance as vehicles for expressing faith, hope, and social conscience. There is a long tradition of having nativity scenes reflect contemporary concerns, from depicting the Holy Family in World War I trenches to recent scenes showing the war in Ukraine and Gaza. As communities gather around these displays during Christmas, they engage not only with ancient sacred narratives but also with pressing questions about compassion, justice, and human dignity in the modern world. The nativity’s power lies in its ability to inspire reflection on both divine mystery and earthly responsibility.