by Charleen Burghardt
In Spain, people developed the tradition of celebrating Las Posadas, which later spread to other Spanish-speaking countries. This celebration commemorates Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Mexican immigrants introduced Las Posadas to San Antonio, where the community reenacts the journey each year in the downtown plaza. For nine nights, participants wear costumes, carry candles, and go door to door. The procession stops at each house, knocks, and inquires for shelter, but they face repeated rejection as they search for a safe place for Mary to give birth to Jesus. The homeowners shake their heads and wave the procession to leave, saying, “Go away!” Eventually, they find refuge in a stable, and festivities erupt for the onlookers. Expect music, tamales, and a pinata for the children at the event.
We participated in the Las Posadas celebration with Coker Espanol Church. First, we sang Christmas songs in English and Spanish. My husband Walt played in the band, followed by an interpretive dance of Mary holding Jesus. Then, a Christmas message in English and Spanish was delivered. At the end of the service, a Mariachi Band walked in, playing Feliz Navida. Merry Christmas. Tamales, Santa, dancing, and a pinata for the children followed.
In the First Century
Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in the first century spanned about 70 miles over dusty, rough roads. The trip likely took longer than usual since Mary was near the end of her pregnancy. Despite the difficulty, the Roman government required them to travel to Joseph’s ancestral home to register for the census.
Though the Bible doesn’t provide all the details, we can imagine Joseph worrying about Mary’s safety and the impending birth. In an overcrowded Bethlehem, they found no available accommodation. At the time, large hotel chains didn’t exist, and people couldn’t call ahead for reservations or check online for vacancies.
No Room in the Inn
They found no lodging. As a result, Mary and Josepha sheltered in a stable or barn, possibly a cave, with dirt or hay floors and animals nearby. Mary had no comfortable bed, just hay to lie on. According to Scripture, the new baby, Jesus, lay in a feeding trough.
That night, shepherds watched their flocks of sheep when an angel appeared to them, announcing the glorious news of a Savior’s birth, with a sign of a baby wrapped in cloth resting in a manger. The sky filled with bright light and angels singing.
Angles filled the sky, singing “Glory to God in the Highest.”
Do you have room?
How often are we occupied with tasks we consider essential? How frequently are we pressured to do more or complete a checklist? Do we have room in our cluttered, hectic lives for Jesus to be present?
Can the Savior occupy a place in your life? Christ desires to come in.
If Mary and Joseph knocked on your door, what would you do? Come back later, I’m busy. Important things: jobs, caring for children, aging parents, school, and responsibilities.
Have you asked Jesus to come in? Do you have room?
An invitation awaits:
Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them (John 14:23).
Will you make room for him?
He desires to enter, forgive, and give peace, comfort, and joy.
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you… (2 Corinthians 13:5).
God’s Son longs to live in us and dwell in our hearts through faith. He longs to laugh with us, listen to us, share life with us, and even cry with us. He wants to come in and be our friend.
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and share a meal as friends, (Revelation 3:20).
Jesus Christ wants to come into every part of your heart.
Once you have welcomed Jesus, invite Him to be present in every part of your life, not just some. Let him fill your entire house with love, joy, and peace.
This Christmas, let’s worship Christ, our Savior who came into the world as a baby, grew to save us, died for us, and desires to dwell in us.
Allow his light to shine in every corner of your heart. All we have to do is ask him to fill your house.
This Christmas, let’s celebrate Christ, our Savior, who entered the world to save us. Let’s invite him into every area of our lives.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for coming as a baby and living a sinless life. You died for sin and rose from the dead so I could connect with you. Come into my life and forgive me. Come into every area of my life. Thank you, Jesus.
Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Grace Offers Hope,
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