Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

Though I didn't realize it at the time, I grew up celebrating a Reader's Digest version of Las Posadas. In Mexico and Guatemala, Las Posadas celebrations involve an elaborate pilgrimage, complete with statues of Mary and Joseph, wherein townfolk weave through neighborhood streets visiting the homes of their neighbors. In contrast, my family's Tex-Mex celebration was always held indoors, was for family and friends, and was always fairly brief.

For us, Las Posadas would begin quickly and haphazardly. Nearing midnight on Christmas Eve, my family would divide itself into two groups, each facing the other. An aunt handed out songsheets as we kids tried not to squirm, and it was only as we read over the songsheets that each group realized which role they would play that year - either that of Mary & Joseph seeking shelter or that of the inkeepers who turned them away. Then we'd begin to sing.

Years later, that song continues to shape my faith. A lot has changed, of course. For one thing, I'm now an Episcopalian. Yet this yearly practice of being turned away, or of playing the innkeepers who do the turning away, continues to speak powerfully to me. What's more, I believe this practice (abridged version or not) has the potential to resonate with many in our Church. 

Welcoming the outsider/immigrant in from the cold is a major concern within the Episcopal Church. Certainly, there have been many amazing examples in which our Church has placed itself on the line in the name of radical welcome. Yet I also see this passion for hospitality in smaller ways. For instance, as one of the people here who reviews the website analytics for ECF Vital Practices, I've been delighted to see that hospitality has been one of the top issues of interest for readers of this website. In the language of Las Posadas, we're learning to open our homes to Christ.

My hope is that this Christmas, or the next, more Episcopal parishes will add Las Posadas to their celebratory repertoires. Many are already doing so, including All Saints in Los Angeles, but I'd be interested in hearing from others about how they have used and adapted this practice. Click here for an overview and songsheets. Please include suggestions/additions to this list in the comments below. And blessings as we journey toward Bethlehem.