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Inspired by a special old Mexican tradition Offington Park church would like to find a way of adapting the idea of Posada ( which literally means “inn” ) into our Christmas festivities.
In the Mexican celebration of Christmas two young people dressed as Mary and Joseph would travel from house to house in their village to proclaim the imminent arrival of Jesus and request that the newborn baby
be given a room. On Christmas Eve they would re-enact a community play and bring figures of Mary and Joseph to be placed in a crib. The church Army updated this idea to give the public some ideas on the
theme of giving a home to the Nativity figures of Mary and Joseph and remind us of the need to make room for Jesus in our lives, homes and communities.
Here, at Offington Park Methodist church we have set Mary and Joseph on their journey through the homes of members of the congregation. Hosts will display the figures in a prominent place in their
home and celebrate their visit in a way that seems appropriate for the individuals. As well as the figures there is a candle to light and a prayer for each family to use.
The prayer :
Dear God,
In the dark sky the stars remind us that you are there.
As Mary and Joseph stay with us they remind us that you are there too. We light a candle to welcome them.
Bless us with your love,
Warm us with your light,
Shine on our paths.
As we wait for Jesus’ coming, bring your light and life into the dark places of our world.
Amen
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