Las Posadas (“The Inns”) is an extended devotional celebration from December 16-24th. Communities gather together to re-enact Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, seeking shelter and welcome. Many of our Conferencia Latina NT-NL ELCA celebrate Posadas either together or in smaller family groups.
For almost a decade the community of Iglesia Luterana San Gabriel in Alvarado has celebrated one of their posada nights with the people of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Worth. Combining as NT-NL Synod, ELCA congregations to fellowship, learn, and grow as church together.
Last night (Dec 23rd) we experienced joy as the posada returned to Trinity and the communities gathered again. Young people led the procession around the courtyard as the peregrinos (pilgrims) sang their songs asking for welcome. Only to hear time and again rejection until finally they are welcomed in and a time of hymns, scripture, and prayer is followed by food, fellowship, and a piñata.
Pastor Jesus Escamilla and Pastor Kendra Mohn led us in that time of worship and prayer. Pastor Jesus reminded us as he does each year that the posada is a power experience in that during this liturgy we all experience being “both the rejecter and the rejected.”
As you celebrate your festivities preparing for Christ’s birth I pray you are reminded of the journey of Mary and Joseph. That our Lord’s parents were not welcomed. The journey of so many still today. Merry Christmas Eve Eve!!! #NTNL #EnMisionJuntos