Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

In the midst of terror and facing new pressures about whether to open our borders to refugees, we come to the story of Mary and Joseph.

Advent begins in just two weeks. We move toward Christmas with expectation and wonder. At the same time that we hear of the angel visiting Mary, the embrace of Elizabeth, and the birth of our Savior, we know that Christ’s death is already prescribed. Life and death in the same breath.

So it is in these days as we reel from the horror. Death, unspeakable, has come to too many. And so too has opportunity for new life, new resolve to live as faithful followers of Christ.
The Latino/Hispanic custom of Posadas offers an opportunity to reenact the story of Mary and Joseph’s wanderings and to take a deliberate step toward welcoming the other and embracing the stranger.

The Posadas (Spanish for "inns," "lodging," or "shelter") are an Advent candlelight procession and celebration. In Mexico and other countries, it is traditional to hold Posadas in many neighborhoods on the days preceding Christmas. The Posadas are a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's frustrating search for a place where Jesus could be born. But there’s a twist: Ultimately they find an innkeeper who welcomes Mary and Joseph into the home. We learn from the Posadas that by welcoming the poor and the needy, we are welcoming Jesus in our midst. And we have an opportunity to act out the gospel imperative articulated in Matthew to welcome the stranger.

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Forward Movement has prepared a free guide in English and Spanish for congregations and groups wanting to celebrate the Posadas. The guide provides practical suggestions for congregations and includes ideas for engaging neighbors and children. It features both English and Spanish versions of the Posadas song, on music sheets showing the melody and chords for guitar. An accompanying webpage, provides multimedia resources: videos clips to learn how to play and sing the Posadas song, mp3 versions of the song in English and in Spanish, and links to a Facebook page where congregations are sharing videos and pictures of their own Posadas. 

While many Latino/Hispanic congregations celebrate Posadas, some primarily Anglo congregations have adopted the custom. And more should. It’s a wonderful way to move through Advent and to be reminded not only of the doors closed to Mary and Joseph but also the barriers faced by many refugees and immigrants across the world today. 

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