Already, I’m sure, you’ve started hearing familiar songs: “Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays…” and “I’d rather be home for Christmas…” in our For many, home is a central theme. holiday season
In the midst of darkness and cold, it is no wonder that we seek the warmth, light, and safety that are near and dear to us. It’s no wonder that our hearts and minds—and yes, our bodies, too—turn toward the familiar and comfortable. We are looking for places where we can be who we are, loved and accepted as we are.
Meanwhile, part of the Christmas story tells a different story entirely. It tells the story of how a “decree was issued … that the whole world should be registered” and this forced large numbers of people from their homes so that they could be accounted for and taxed. It tells the story of how many travelers are left looking for the things we celebrate during the holiday season: warmth, comfort, safety, security.
Among the travelers were Mary and Joseph, who – although she was pregnant – found nowhere to stay and were forced to seek refuge in a stable where “she gave birth to her first-born son, and He put them in the mud. Because there was no room for them in the hotel.”
Las Posadas is a Latin American tradition that commemorates the days when Mary and Joseph sought shelter and hospitality on the streets of Bethlehem. Traditionally, on the nine nights before Christmas, processions of people walk through the streets of towns or cities and sing in song to ask for a posada, that is, a place to stay. Each time the group retreats until they reach a predetermined location where they are greeted with food, drink, games and fellowship.
At the same time, Las Posadas helps us not only remember the experience of Joseph and Mary, but invites us to stand with them—literally and figuratively, and more broadly with all those who who continue to seek safe asylum; Those who seek safety in our streets, cities and towns are warmly welcomed. Las Posadas invites us to participate in the biblical narrative by literally walking in the footsteps of Joseph and Mary, but also to walk in spirit with all those who today seek a place that Feels like home; A place of safety, hospitality and friendship, a place of belonging.
We all need a place. We all need places where we feel welcome. A place we can call home. Some of us are more fortunate than others in finding or finding such a place. The running of Las Posadas is a testament to the basic human need for home, but also a statement about the many people who are still searching for it.
Join Las Posadas this year and walk in procession through the streets of our city. Come and walk with Mary and Joseph in the fellowship of your countrymen. Come and stand in solidarity with all those who yearn for a home, who want safety and welcome in our city.
On December 16, you are invited to walk Las Posadas. Come gather at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (2216 17th St.) where our rally will begin at 5:00 pm. Enjoy warm and generous hospitality at Mill Creek Christian. Church (1660 cent.). All welcome to this meeting.
—Rev. Luis M. Rodriguez is pastor-in-charge at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
