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“In those days a decree went from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled...So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child...She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.” -Luke 2:1-7
Today, as in centuries past, the search for a safe place or posada (inn) for Mary awaiting the birth of the Child Jesus is re-enacted prayerfully throughout the world. Las Posadas is one of many spiritual traditions as the faithful prepare for the birth of Christ. It may be adapted according to practical situations, but always keeps with its scriptural roots.
Las Posadas is a novena celebrated between December 16 and December 24, re-enacting Joseph and Mary’s journey when they sought a place for the birth of Jesus. After walking long distances on their way to Bethlehem, Joseph knocked on many doors. How exhausted they must have been. He was surely very concerned for Mary and her unborn child. However, they found no inn. All places were occupied. Eventually, they found a stable where the Christ child was born. Thus, the baby was born near the animals that were sheltered inside. All this was in keeping with Scripture.
Las Posadas is celebrated in Mexico and many Latin American countries as well as in many cities in the United States. This religious tradition is re-enacted in churches or other gathering places. In commemorating this religious tradition with scriptural roots, a child dressed as an angel leads the procession of shepherds, Joseph and Mary, and pilgrims carrying candles. The ‘pilgrims’ knock on three doors, singing their request for shelter (posada) before being allowed inside: Mary is given a safe place to bring her child into the world. Each night includes prayer and concludes with refreshments. The last posada, on the 24th of December, celebrates also with a piñata filled with candy, usually in the shape of a star. For, it was a bright star that guided the shepherds and the Magi to the child Jesus.
“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flocks. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them...The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy...For today a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord...you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” -Luke 2:8-12
For Reflection:
How do we prepare a ‘spiritual home’ for Jesus?
Mary Olivia Patiño is a writer and poet. She enjoys photography and integrates it into creative design, and in her published books. For several years, she facilitated a faith-based writing group which she formed in collaboration with parishioners.
A lay person, she reflects on her past ministry and day-to-day experiences where she encounters God's presence, She is an Oblate of the Order of St. Benedict with the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica. She is a graduate of the Oblate School of Theology and of Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.
