The Bible is interpreted in a myriad of ways in different faith traditions. In my faith tradition alone, there is more than one lens to view these timeless stories. One way is rather unique. We look at the characters and wonder if we see aspects of ourselves in the characters. In the case of the Christmas story, we might look at Mary, and consider our own love, innocence, and humility. We might explore how much compassion and wisdom we possess as we think of Joseph, and so on. And yes, we might even investigate our own personal shadows, when thinking of evil King Herod.
I never planned on staying in Texas long. My thought was to talk my husband out of his intention to retire here when the time came. My early days in Texas were miserable, the Gulf War was going on, my soldier husband was away. I was in a small west Texas town, with a small child, no family, trying to make new friends in a time in my life when I was socially awkward. My small one only seemed to sleep if I took him for car rides, it was Christmas time. I inquired where I worked where the best places to take in the Christmas lights were. I was given quite a list by my colleagues, including an address I knew to be in a less than prosperous part of town.
I went and discovered a tiny home on a large lot that was covered in lights with a lit pathway. Walking though the yard there were dozens of little lit up Christmas displays. A friendly person motioned me into the home. With little Ryan on my hip, we entered the small dwelling – inside was a holiday wonderland with lit trees, nativity scenes, and a Christmas village with an electric train my son was mesmerized by. They told me they would prepare all the displays starting in September. They invited me back for something called a Posada Party in a few days. I had no idea what that was. I was lonely and basically a single parent with no family in the area, so I was delighted to have a Christmas celebration to take my son to.
I later learned Las Posadas, (Spanish for “The Inns”) is religious festival celebrated in Mexico and some parts of the United States between December 16 and 24. The faithful dress as characters from the Christmas story and process from home to home, signing the Posada song, musically seeking shelter for Mary and her soon to be born baby. As in the story, they are turned down several times, until one home welcomes the procession and hosts a Posada party.
I had no idea it was such a big deal. The party was huge, held indoors and out. I had Mexican hot chocolate for the first time. (A magical beverage you must try if you have never had it.) There were tamales, music, pinatas, joyful people everywhere. We were warmly welcomed. Santa was there and my toddler started to make a beeline for him. I called him back, thinking the gifts Santa was handing out were for children just from the neighborhood. The owner of the home seemed to understand my hesitancy, and said to me, “No, let him go to Santa – those gifts are for ALL the children.” I have no idea how people in such modest circumstance could pull off such a full and complete celebration. And here I was, this stranger to them, unfamiliar with the area and the customs, warmly welcomed and embraced.
I later learned this family did this EVERY YEAR, embodying the heart of the innkeeper who finally said yes to the holy family, even if the space they provided was humble. Truly reflecting the last verse of the Posada Song (Translated here):
"Enter holy pilgrims, receive this corner - not this poor dwelling, but my heart."
So, yes – I got on board with my husband’s plan to retire in Texas. How could I not? This magical place where in different towns, in different ways, you can go to a Posada observation, and literally meet the great spiritual heart of the Innkeeper that welcomed Christ into the world?
Merry Christmas my friends. This season, may you reflect and discover that within you dwells the purity and humility of Mary, the wisdom and compassion of Joseph, the Light of the Christ Child, and the love of the Innkeeper that welcomed that Light into their heart.
I thank you for reading, be blessed this day.
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