Dear Caldwell,
What a rich and sensory worship service we shared this morning with many moments of quiet reflection and renewed hope. Great thanks to the choir and to the parents and volunteers who prepared our kids to sing! They were wonderful and brought us the Word about Christmas in their own powerful way. Their bright faces had their own healing effect.
Also, thanks again to all those who helped organize our first La Posada (The Inn) celebration last night. It was a wondrous sight to see our church filled with Latino/a brothers and sisters and SO MANY children. Special thanks to Kitty and Tom Bohr, Joyce Deaton, Sally and Zach Thomas, Marilyn Rowland, Judy Atwell, Ann Alford, Ann and Alex Smythers. I fear that may leave someone out but this service was the work of so many – and a wonderful gift to us all. Special thanks to Filiberto Moran, who led our parade, service and games and brought so much energy and passion! (Observer photos here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/12/15/3728383/la-posada-latino-christmas-tradition.html?spill=1)
This morning in Sunday school, like so many Sunday school classes across America, I am sure, we wrestled with the question of “evil” in the world in relation to Friday’s shootings. We confessed that we cannot change everything that is wrong with the world. But we also acknowledged that we can make a difference, as disciples, in how we recognize and respond to points of grace we encounter as well as points of evil/brokenness (or whatever you may call it).
That idea reminded me of the exchange between Mary and Joseph and the innkeeper that was part of La Posada. The tradition calls for some participants to gather inside the “inn” and sing the innkeeper’s part while others are outside at the door, singing the parts of the pilgrims/peregrinos, Mary and Joseph, seeking shelter. I offer that exchange below with a question to ponder. (Read the parts of marked “those within” to hear the kinds of excuses we all make.) What if the innkeeper had not recognized and responded to his opportunity to help build the kingdom of God that night? Where can we recognize and respond to kingdom moments in our own lives, even in the face of such profound tragedy as Friday’s events? Shalom.
The Posada Song
Pilgrims: In the name of heaven, I ask you for a place to rest. You see, my beloved wife cannot walk.
Those within: Here there is no room. Keep on going; I don’t have to open up. Don’t be a bother.
Pilgrims: Don’t be inhumane; have pity on us so that the God of heaven will reward you.
Those within: Well, you can just go and don’t bother us, because if you make me mad I’m going to beat you up.
Pilgrims: We come here exhausted, all the way from Nazareth. I am a carpenter by the name of Joseph.
Those within: I don’t care what your name is. Let me sleep. Well, I tell you again that I don’t have to open up.
Pilgrims: I beg you for shelter dear innkeeper, for only one night, for the Queen of Heaven.
Those within: Well, if it’s a queen for whom you are asking, why is it that you are walking around in the night all alone?
Pilgrims: My wife is Mary, she is the Queen of the heavens and she is going to be the mother of the Holy Word of God.
Those within: Are you Joseph? Your wife is Mary? Come in, pilgrims. I did not recognize you!