Nativity Scenes Take Centre Stage This Christmas: From Protest to Prayer
The Enduring Significance of the Nativity Scene
The nativity scene, depicting the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, remains one of Christianity’s most powerful symbols. This Christmas season, nativity displays have captured global attention for both traditional celebrations and contemporary controversies, highlighting their enduring relevance in modern society.
The tradition dates back to St. Francis of Assisi, who began the practice of nativity scenes in 1223, creating a tangible way for believers to connect with the Christmas story. Today, these displays continue to serve as focal points for faith, community, and increasingly, social commentary.
Vatican Unveils Traditional Christmas Displays
The Vatican unveiled its nativity scene on Monday, 15 December, lighting an 82-foot Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square, marking Pope Leo XIV’s first Christmas as pontiff. The life-size nativity scene was designed by the Nocera Inferiore-Sarno diocese in southern Italy, featuring architectural elements from the region.
Notably, the Vatican also received a pro-life nativity scene from Costa Rican artist Paula Sáenz Soto, named ‘Gaudium’ (‘Joy’), which features a pregnant Virgin Mary. The scene displays more than 25,000 ribbons instead of straw, each representing a baby saved through the prayers and witness of 40 Days for Life. This unique display underscores the Vatican’s commitment to celebrating the sanctity of life from conception.
Controversial Immigration-Themed Nativity Scenes in America
Across the United States, several churches have reimagined nativity scenes to protest immigration enforcement policies. A North Carolina church’s nativity scene features mannequins dressed as ICE agents looming over statues of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, sparking heated debate about the intersection of faith and politics.
Multiple immigration-themed religious displays have appeared in different parts of the country in recent weeks, with at least one live-action depiction slated to take place outside an ICE facility. Urban Village Church in River Forest, Illinois, erected a nativity installation with no Holy Family, replaced by a sign reading ‘Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding’.
Religious leaders say they are hoping to make the Christmas story relevant to modern believers by recalling the dire circumstances faced by Jesus and his parents as recounted in the gospels. The displays reference biblical accounts where Joseph gathered Mary and Jesus to flee to Egypt, only returning to Judea after King Herod died.
A Symbol of Faith, Hope, and Dialogue
Whether traditional or controversial, nativity scenes continue to inspire reflection on the Christmas message. Pope Leo XIV stated that the nativity scene and Christmas tree are signs of faith and hope, calling on believers to contemplate themes of peace and fraternity.
The divergent approaches to nativity displays this year reflect broader societal debates whilst maintaining the core purpose: inviting people to encounter the story of Christ’s birth. As communities navigate these discussions, the nativity scene remains a powerful reminder of Christianity’s central message of God’s love entering human history.