Posada Celebration at Kid's Quest

"In Mexican culture, the Christmas tradition of Posada begins with the procession of the pilgrims. At the head is Joseph, holding Mary's hand as she rides on the donkey. Sometimes, instead of having people dress up as Mary and Joseph and ride a donkey through the streets, several neighbors carry a nativity scene. Following them are all the neighbors, carrying candles and singing traditional songs to ask for posada, a place where they can stay. They knock on neighbors' door asking for a place to stay, just like Joseph and Mary travelling to Bethlehem. At the end of the trip through the streets of the neighborhood, they reach their final destination. Doors open and the big Christmas party begins!"
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The Posada Celebration at Kid's Quest this year was designed to take the children on the long journey to Bethlehem for the birth of a baby.



It started with Joseph (a Dad volunteer) explaining to the children that his wife Mary was expecting a baby, but that they had to journey to Bethlehem for Caesar's census. The kids were cold and bundled up, but when we got outside an angel was waiting to tell the kids not to be afraid. She had GOOD NEWS! We then walked as a group around the Children's building, knocking on classroom doors. One at a time, the children were told there was no room at the inn. Just as the children were getting cold and tired, a kind innkeeper offered them his animal stable and a warm meal (animal crackers and juice.) The kids were so happy.



Once inside the classroom, three wise men appeared with gifts for the Baby Jesus, who they had been told was born in the stable. During the week, the kids had each helped their Mommies fill green grocery bags with food for a new Salvation Army apartment complex for the elderly. The wise men invited the children to bring their gifts to present to the Christ child. When we arrived at the stable, the room was dim and "Away in a Manger" was playing in the background.

The rowdy, hyper group of three-and four-year-olds kids instantaneously turned into quiet, tiptoeing, respectful children in the presence of the little Baby Jesus doll laying in the manger. The teachers were dressed up as Joseph, Mary, and wise men and the children showed them such respect, either whispering or saying nothing at all. It was priceless.

"Away in a manger, No crib for His bed.
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes,

But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes;

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,

And stay by my cradle 'til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay,

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray!

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,

And take us to heaven, to Live with Thee there."

In years past, I would have dropped him off at Kid's Quest and headed out for two and a half hours of precious kid-free shopping time. Instead, I cried (and took pictures) and wished all the parents, including Jeff, could have been there to see their children experience in a clear, simple way what Christmas gift-giving is really all about.