California church replaces baby Jesus w/ Trayvon Martin in Nativity scene

Altered Nativity scene
Yes. This happened. Photo via David Allen, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Words fail. Via the LA TimesΒ (hat tip):

On the lawn of a Claremont church, just like at many churches at this time of year, cutouts of wise men on camelback head toward a makeshift stable, a meager wooden structure where Mary and Joseph have huddled inside.

But instead of an infant Jesus cradled in his mother’s arms, the Nativity at Claremont United Methodist Church β€” the creation of congregant and artist John Zachary β€” features a depiction of Trayvon Martin slumped over in his hoodie, a pool of his blood spreading over a bed of straw.

For several years, Zachary has brought his artistic interpretations of the Nativity β€” as well as the occasional controversy β€” to the church, as he used a scene that traditionally conveys themes of joy and innocence to spread messages of social justice. Over the last few years, his installations have touched on homelessness, poverty and acceptance of gay families.

He decided over the summer that this year’s scene would include the Florida teenager whose shooting death captured the nation’s attention. Zachary said he wanted to draw a parallel between rampant gun violence and the dark time in which Jesus was born.

“He was, in my view, an innocent child like the innocent children killed by King Herod,” Zachary, 57, said of Martin. “I think the Nativity has to be relevant to our time. I think Jesus is a symbol of hope and I think he has to be seen in today’s context.”

I’m just going to say this as plainly as possible: There should never, ever be any type of “replacement” for baby Jesus in the manger scene. Ever. Β I don’t care what your “rationale” is, nor is it important to understand your “intent” or “meaning.” The story of baby Jesus is timeless, unique, spiritual, heavenly, and transcends anything that has or will ever happen here on Earth.

Consider this a PSA, leftists. Thanks!

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