Posadas

Any of you that have been reading this blog for very long have heard about a "Posada" before. A posada is a Hispanic Christmas tradition re-enacting Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem. We celebrate las posadas every year at the mission and the mariachi group performs MANY times in December helping all the mission churches in their celebration.

I also did my MA Thesis on Las Posadas and how they can be used as outreach.

This year Jaden and I went to a few along with the mariachi. It was fun to visit the mission in Mexico since we don't get there all that often (even though it is only 15 minutes away!)

While we were waiting for the first one to start, Jaden have fun climbing this big dirt hill.

Mary & Joseph standing outside the "inn" asking for posada (lodging).
a crazy mariachi
Pastor Hernandez leading the group
part of the crowd outside
at another "inn" asking for lodging
walking through the streets playing and singing Christmas Carols (see how Jaden hitched a ride)


One more stop
Mary, Joseph and the angel
Jaden found a balloon to keep him entertained.

Notice the saint's shrine in the background.....these are common all over streets and outside (or inside) homes in the area. Even if someone attends a Lutheran church they don't often quickly give up their affection for the Virgin of Guadalupe. We don't make a big issue of it, but continue to study the Bible with them and let them reach their own conclusions based on what they find there about the role remembering the saints should play in their faith life. Most often, with time, they recognize Jesus as their one true hope and the only Triune God - Father, Son, Holy Spirit - as the only one truly worthy of their devotion.

At the last "inn" everyone is invited in for a celebration.
Las Posadas bring smiles to young and old alike
One of the Mexico musicians
Before the next posada Jaden got some wiggles out running back and forth on this "balance beam"
Outside the church asking for posada
After being welcomed it - singing with all the kids

and the musicians from the Mexico mission churches playing along with the mariachi
This Posada was in New Mexico
The group followed along behind a trailer pulling the mariachi


Pinatas are part of the traditional celebration. Jaden finally figured out what these are all about and now he ALWAYS wants his turn!
Of course, any time there is a park or a swing, he has to have a turn at that too!