The Chicago Nativity Scene is a sight to behold. It stands tall and proud in Daley Plaza, a beacon of hope and peace in the heart of the city. This magnificent display is a testament to the unwavering faith of the people of Chicago and their commitment to keeping Christ in Christmas.
In the early 1980s, the city of Chicago had always erected a Nativity scene in City Hall. But the tradition was threatened when a new mayor decided to ban the display. A group of Chicagoans, led by William Grutzmacher, refused to let the tradition die. They decided to erect their own Nativity scene in Daley Plaza, a public space, and they were met with immediate resistance.
The American Jewish Congress, the ACLU, and the American Atheists all opposed the display, arguing that it violated the separation of church and state. The Public Building Commission, which controlled Daley Plaza, initially granted Grutzmacher a permit. But the commission quickly reversed its decision, and county employees were sent to tear down the Nativity scene. This act of censorship sparked outrage across the globe.
Grutzmacher and his supporters refused to back down. They filed a lawsuit, and after a long legal battle, a federal judge ruled in their favor. The judge ordered the Public Building Commission to allow the Chicago Nativity Scene to be erected every year.
Ever since that victory, the Nativity Scene has been a beloved Chicago Christmas tradition. The display is now one of the largest in the world. Every year, volunteers known as the “God Squad” assemble the giant figures of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. They also gather with the community to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.