In Mexico one of the important parts of the celebration of Christmas is Las Posadas--Spanish for "the inns." From December 16-24 a party is held in the home of the neighborhood with plenty of food and drink, with fruit and candies for the children. This tradition commemorates Mary and Joseph's search for shelter on the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. At dusk, all the guests gather outside the house. A small child dressed as an angel leads, followed by children carrying figures of Mary and Joseph. Boys and girls dressed in silver and gold robes constitute the procession, followed by the adults and musicians. Everyone sings melodious songs as they walk slowly along, carrying their lit candles. When they reach the house, the group divides in two. One half remains outside and begs for shelter from the other half, which is inside the house. The doors are then opened, the religious part of the celebration ends, and the fun begins. On the final night, Christmas Eve, the procession moves to the local church, where the entire village welcomes the Holy Couple with a service of joy and thanksgiving as the Holy Child is born again.
During Advent this year I will be basing a series of sermons around this theme, using the lectionary readings assigned for each Sunday to reflect upon how we make room for the birth of the Christ Child in our lives today. "Is there room in your home, in your heart, for Jesus to be born in you? Will you make room for him in your life?" Advent is a time to ask ourselves those questions. It's a time of preparation, cleaning house, confession, and expectation. Christmas is not just about remembering the birth of a child 2,000 years ago. It's also about how Jesus is born in human life today.
November 27 "Making Room for Christmas"
Isaiah 64:1-9
December 4 "You Can't Get There from Here"
Isaiah 40:1-11
December 11 "Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks"
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
I Thessalonians 5:16-25
December 18 "Here I Am...Let It Be"
Luke 1:5-38
December 25 Christmas Day Service of Carols
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