Las Posadas

Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration that actually began last night, on December 16. Posada is Spanish for "lodging", and the nine days represent the nine months of Mary's pregnancy.

In Mexico, people gather and carry candles and clay figures of Mary and Joseph from house to house, reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for a room at an inn. They are turned away again and again with a rude “No!” Finally, one house allows them to enter, and everyone celebrates with food and a piñata. The procession is repeated each night through Christmas Eve, with a party at a different house each night.

The Posadas procession is a heart-warming tradition. I have always wished I could live someplace where it is practiced. It reminds me of what it means to be a compassionate person and part of a compassionate community. It reminds me that the person at the door asking for help is always Jesus.

“...for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Matthew 25:35-36.

Agenda:
1. Gather donations for the Egan Warming Center:
The Egan Warming Center is a coalition of community members who have come together to ensure that homeless people in my county have a warm and safe place to sleep when temperatures drop below 30 degrees. They are always in need of volunteers, and donations of coats, gloves, socks, and hats.

2. Set out our crèche: 

Traditionally, it was St. Francis of Assisi who made the first crèche, in honor of animals who shared the stable with the baby Jesus. 

We made Mary and Joseph with fabric and glue when my kids were very young. The donkey and bird (on the roof) are Fimo and the manger is balsa wood.

Today I set out just these figures, but leave the manger empty until Christmas morning.

3. Read the Christmas story:
Luke 2:1-20.

4. Make Mexican hot chocolate