Las Posadas
En el nombre del cielo
Os pido posada
Pues no puede andar
Ya mi esposa amada
If you are like me then this song has been playing in your head nonstop for the past few days. And on Tuesday December 20th at 6:30 PM at the gazebo in Church Square Park, we will once again gather to celebrate Las Posadas. Las Posadas has been observed by Mustard Seed since the very beginning and now literally thousands of people have marched with us over the years.
So why do we celebrate Las Posadas? For the history of Las Posadas and its practice throughout the world, you can google and read up on that and I would suggest you do, it is a fascinating history. But, why do we celebrate Las Posadas? I'm not sure if this is the official reason, you would have to ask Ms. Pargellis or Ms. Litman, who were here at the beginning, but I am writing this blog and they are not. Besides the celebration being a culmination of Advent and therefore more special then the other stories, it is an opportunity for Mustard Seed to do what it does so well: foster community. From the littlest ones dressed as angels and sheep to Mary and Joseph (who are eighth graders that have marched behind the stars for many years) to parents who have done this for more years then I can count and alumni who come back to be part of this family once again, I am amazed and humbled at what this school has been able to accomplish. If you have never been able to attend, I would highly recommend you try, my words cannot adequately describe the Las Posadas experience.
Now for some details:
Las Posadas Questions and Answers for Parents
Os pido posada
Pues no puede andar
Ya mi esposa amada
If you are like me then this song has been playing in your head nonstop for the past few days. And on Tuesday December 20th at 6:30 PM at the gazebo in Church Square Park, we will once again gather to celebrate Las Posadas. Las Posadas has been observed by Mustard Seed since the very beginning and now literally thousands of people have marched with us over the years.
So why do we celebrate Las Posadas? For the history of Las Posadas and its practice throughout the world, you can google and read up on that and I would suggest you do, it is a fascinating history. But, why do we celebrate Las Posadas? I'm not sure if this is the official reason, you would have to ask Ms. Pargellis or Ms. Litman, who were here at the beginning, but I am writing this blog and they are not. Besides the celebration being a culmination of Advent and therefore more special then the other stories, it is an opportunity for Mustard Seed to do what it does so well: foster community. From the littlest ones dressed as angels and sheep to Mary and Joseph (who are eighth graders that have marched behind the stars for many years) to parents who have done this for more years then I can count and alumni who come back to be part of this family once again, I am amazed and humbled at what this school has been able to accomplish. If you have never been able to attend, I would highly recommend you try, my words cannot adequately describe the Las Posadas experience.
Now for some details:
Las Posadas Questions & Answers for Students
What time do we need to be at the park?
Note: The latest arriving staff (Grades K-5) arrive by 6:10. Other teachers (Grades 6-8 & PROS) arrive earlier - by no later than 6:00. Grades K - 5 gather around the gazebo by 6:20 and the procession begins at 6:30.
How should I dress?
Check the weather. If it rains, bring an umbrella. If it’s cold, dress in layers or wear a warm coat. Bathrobes and towels work very well to transform you into a Bethlehem type person. Some people come as angels. Serapes and the like are also festive and appropriate.
Where do I get my light?
Each class will have a different colored glow stick. You can get a glow stick from your teacher at the park. If your little brother or sister wants one, send them off with a parent to get one near the stairs to the gazebo.
How many times will we sing that song we always sing?
In a procession you sing the same song many times. When we stop at a place with Mary and Joseph, we will sing the song three or four times in a row. Each voice is important and we need all of you to sing. When we are going from inn to inn the parent and student band will provide the music.
How will we process?
You will move with your class, and maybe some members of your family, along the street. Some students carrying stars will lead your class. Move up close to the stars so that we can use up all the space. This way most of us will get the best view of Mary and Joseph.
Las Posadas Questions and Answers for Parents
What time should we be at the park?
Parents and children (K-5) should gather around the gazebo by 6:20 PM and the procession begins at 6:30. Chorus and Service Team Members (Grades 6-8) arrive by 6:00. (Teachers arrive before students arrive.)
Does everyone need to dress up?
All students should come as a shepherd, angel, sheep or Bethlehem villager. Parents are encouraged to dress up also – throw a towel over your head or drape a blanket over your coat, and bathrobes, of course, are always in style on this night.
Where do we get a light?
Students will receive a light from their teacher. Parents and siblings can get lights near the stairs to the gazebo.
How many times will we sing that song we always sing?
We will sing it many times and we want your voice too. Sheet music is available to all parents when you pick up your lights. When we walk from place to place we don’t all sing, but when we stop in front of the doorway we will all sing the song about three times before Joseph knocks on the door.
Where should parents be in the procession?
During the procession students will walk with their classmates. You and any younger siblings are welcome to join them. We encourage you to help the teachers keep all the children together as a class. We are a big group so try to pack in close when we stop so that our procession is not strung far off down the street. Some classes will stop ahead of the main star and will need to turn around to see Mary and Joseph.