What are Las Posadas?Las Posadas, ( Spanish: “The Inns”) religious festival celebrated in Mexico between December 16 and 24. Las Posadas commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus.
(from Encyclopidia Britannica) AcitivitiesSimilar to a Christmas Pagent, it's a way to bring children and families into the story of Jesus' birth. Here are some ways you can use this in your own parish (and your home)
In the individual house Search for pictures of Mary and Joseph traveling - print these out and invite familes to take one home. Or have people gather figures of Mary, Joseph, and a donkey. In the home, people can move the picture or figures around from place to place, reading the scriptures and reflecting on the words of the narrator. In small groups Split the congregation into groups of 9 families. Create the order for them to and visit the next family on list (so the first night, family 1 will go to see family 2). Have them bring photos or figures of Mary, Joseph, and a donkey to the next family. Read the scriptures and reflect on the words of the narrator together. On the last day have the families bring the photos or figures to the parish and begin the Christmas Eve service with the words from Las Posadas. As a congregation Pre-arrange with 8 families to host Las Posadas for one night. Let the entire congregation know where you'll be and to bring a dish to pass (simple food). People may not be able to go to each night, but hopefully everyone can make one. |
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