ADVENT-CHRISTMAS IS A SEASON OF JOYFUL WELCOME

                At the beginning of the Advent season, our program People of Faith Living as Disciples, taught us about different traditions that people celebrate during the Advent-Christmas season.

                The days between December 16th and 24th recall the difficult journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, which tradition says took nine days. Mexican tradition observes the custom of Las Posadas, “lodgings.” At dusk each night, families travel together from house to house in their neighborhood seeking shelter for Mary and Joseph. Sometimes they carry small figures of Mary and Joseph or perhaps a boy and girl are dressed as the pilgrim couple. Candles light the way. The procession stops at each home to ask for shelter. From within, a rude voice tells them to go away. When someone outside explains kindly that Mary is about to give birth to Christ, the door is opened, everyone is welcomed in and the celebration begins.

                Las Posadas helps everyone to remember that Jesus came as a poor and humble child. Every Christian is reminded that they are called to be a gracious host and a person of welcome. During the Advent season we have been preparing to welcome Christ into our lives as we celebrate the birth of Jesus once again. The Advent season challenges us to find ways to welcome others. Jesus welcomed all who came to him and in turn asks us to be welcoming people too. Unless there is hospitality offered to all, even strangers, unless we open the doors of our hearts, Christmas cannot come.

                We make Christ present to others through gifts of generosity, kindness and politeness. These are gifts that cannot be wrapped and placed under a Christmas tree. They are priceless and the most meaningful gifts anyone can receive. May we all welcome Christ present in each other always.