An Evanston church has drawn significant attention to its Christmas nativity scene following reports that it depicts illegal immigrants being arrested. Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf of Lake Street Church, whose political commentary often focuses on social justice causes like “dismantling racism,” described the arrest in November at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest as a real-world event worthy of reflection.
The nativity scene uses biblical figures to make a pointed statement about immigration enforcement. According to WMAQ-TV’s report, Woolf interpreted Jesus’ birth narrative through this lens, comparing ICE agents unfriendly to immigrants to the Roman centurions who tried to stop Jesus from being born. “If you read the Gospels,” Woolf stated, “how we treat our neighbors is how we are treating Jesus.” He further explained that Joseph was depicted lying on the ground, possibly tied down by zip ties, symbolizing those arrested at an ICE facility during a protest.
Woolf was one of several individuals arrested for rioting at the November incident at an ICE center in Broadview. The scene aims to highlight tensions around immigration policies and how they affect vulnerable people seeking refuge or safety.
The church’s website emphasizes its commitment to social justice, advocating for those targeted by “inhumane immigration policies” and offering sanctuary similar to that described in their nativity display narrative, which is part of a broader cause promoted under the banner of providing refuge.
