LAS POSADAS: FIRST CHURCH IN WINDSOR FEATURES NEW CHRISTMAS EVE THEME

The historic First Church in Windsor will feature a new family worship Christmas Eve service this year for all who wish to attend.  The service - Las Posadas - will start at 5:00 p.m. on December 24th and is open to the community.  In addition to this service, First Church will also hold a traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve worship service on December 24th at 9PM. 

Las Posadas (Spanish for “the inns”) is an Advent celebration of hospitality. This tradition dates back more than 400 years to Spain, when the priests taught many of the biblical stories to illiterate believers through drama. This Christmas Eve family service is
inspired by this Latin American tradition.

The Posadas symbolize Mary and Joseph’s long
journey to Bethlehem and their frustrating search for lodging. At each Posada,
or Inn, Mary and Joseph ask for shelter and at each Posada they are refused.
Our service ends when, at the last Posada, the Holy Family is finally
recognized and they are welcomed in with celebration. This tradition re-enacts the story told in Luke 2:1-7. 

We learn from the Posadas that by welcoming
the poor and the needy, we are welcoming Jesus in our midst (See Matthew 25:40).  The United Church of Christ has
a long standing tradition of standing with the poor and offering an extravagant
welcome to those who are seeking a home, whether they are faith seekers,
strangers, refugees or immigrants. By doing so, we are called to remember that
weary family so long ago who simply sought a safe night’s lodging and a place
of respite.

Las Posadas is also a symbolic retelling of
our own life journeys and for many, the struggle to overcome the established
geographical borders, social boundaries or personal barriers in search of
newness of life, justice and safety. Like Mary and Joseph in Las Posadas,
pilgrims of all kinds encounter rejection, misunderstanding and prejudice.  It is by God’s incarnate grace that we are
welcomed, and in turn, called upon to welcome others who may knock at our “doors.”

May your journey this
Christmas be one of peace, joy, love, hope and hospitality. ~ Rev. Char Corbett, Associate Pastor