The Virgin Mary wearing a gas mask. The baby Jesus restrained with zip ties. Joseph knocked over on the ground.

It is not a typical Nativity display, but one scene in Evanston is attracting attention. That's where Lake Street Church has erected a challenging creche as a way to get people thinking about their neighbors.

The church leaves little doubt as to where it stands on social issues. Black Lives Matter banners adorn its sign and social justice banners hang at its entrance. Still, a unique Nativity display featuring Roman Centurions dressed as ICE agents has garnered attention.

“Jesus was born into a context...the Roman Empire, right?” Rev. Dr. Michael Woolf said. “He immediately has to flee and go into exile and become a refugee."

The Nativity scene puts Mary and Jesus in modern t

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