This Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent, and we would usually bring the Posada figures into church to start their journey around the homes of our parish.
Everything is so different this year, and we'll have to do things a little differently. Instead of the figures going around the parish, Chrissie will "be" the Posada, travelling around and posting special book marks through doors.
Below is a piece about the origins of the tradition, and some of the prayers we use at this time.
Posada
Posada is a Spanish word meaning “inn”
Posada celebrations originated about 400 years ago in Mexico, but their roots lie in Europe, in 10th and 11th century Bible plays, which were used to teach an illiterate population about the love and life of Christ.
During Advent two young people were chosen to dress up as Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ earthly Mother and Father. Recalling the Bible story in Matthew and Luke’s Gospels, they would travel from house to house in their village telling people about the imminent arrival of Jesus and asking them if they would give them and their soon-to-be-born Son a room.
On Christmas Eve people would perform a community play and bring figurines of Mary and Joseph to Church to be placed in a crib scene. The modern day equivalent of conveying wooden, knitted or rag doll figures of May and Joseph around the neighbourhood is based on this concept.
And Leesfield Parish continues this tradition!
Each night during Advent, wooden figures of Mary and Joseph “travel” around the parish taken by church members to family, friends and neighbours. The figures are finally brought into Church on Christmas Eve to create a Nativity display for Christmas Day depicting the birth of our Lord.
Posada and the Advent season is about preparation and expectation, so the overnight stay of these precious figures symbolises that people are making room for Jesus in their hearts and minds, and in their communities. The figures not only travel to the homes of people in the area, but are also welcomed into schools and care homes.
So as you receive the figures of Mary and Joseph into your home tonight, please think of your own personal journey and those made by others. Make a special place of honour for the figures during their stay with you and pray that, as we travel through life, God gives us His blessings, unites us in His grace, helps us to draw comfort and strength from each other, and keeps us growing in His joy, peace and love.
