“On the Way” is a temporary art installation, in the tradition of Christmas nativity scenes, that uses the motif of road signs to draw attention to the issue of immigrant justice. Like so many families living in fear in our country today, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were immigrants who sought refuge in a foreign land (Matthew 2).

As Lucy McDermott writes, “The Christmas story is a story of forced migration. Jesus lies in a manger in the stable of an inn not because his parents wanted to come to Bethlehem, but because Caesar Augustus required them to come to be registered. Later, in Matthew’s gospel, Joseph is told in a dream that King Herod wants to kill Jesus, so the young family flees to Egypt.”

Four neighboring churches (First Parish in Lexington, First Parish in Lincoln, First Parish in Concord, and First Parish in Bedford) have come together to commission and display this art installation, which is intended to move us out of our comfort zones and into deeper reflection and action. Each church will host the installation for one week of Advent, accompanied by a vigil, as we pray and work for more just treatment of immigrants in our midst.

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Tentative schedule for “On the Way”:

First Parish in Lexington: November 30 through December 8.

First Parish in Lincoln: December 8 through December 15.

First Parish in Concord: December 15 through December 22.

First Parish in Bedford: December 22 through December 29.

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As you spend a few moments with this artwork, ask yourself: How is our country treating those who have come here seeking refuge?

How do the images of force on the top of each sign relate to the images of vulnerability on the bottom? Where do you find yourself, in these images?

Where is the holy or the transformational to be found in our midst this season?

About the artist: Jonathan Barachowitz is a mixed-media artist of Puerto Rican and Jewish heritage. He lives and works in the Boston area.