A number of parishes in Huddersfield have been sharing Posadas among their communities this month to spread the Christmas message as they travel through homes in the local area.
A Posada is a Spanish and South American tradition which involves a model of the Nativity scene which travels throughout the Advent period in preparation for the birth of Christ at Christmas.
The tradition was brought to the UK by the Church Army (who have resources on their website to help set up a Posada) which continues to sponsor these Posadas, raising money for their cause and promoting their work across the country.
St Peter’s Church in Birstall have joined St James’ Church in Rawthorpe and Christ Church in Moldgreen in organising Posadas consisting of knitted figures which have been vising the homes of their respective local residents in the run-up to Christmas.
The Revd Capt Paul Knight, Vicar of St Peter’s Church, Birstall, says, “We believe that it helps people as they get involved and prepare for the real meaning of Christmas by taking care of the Posada.”
St Peter’s Church have had a Posada going around for a few Christmases which has been organised by Alison Sowden, a Pastoral Minister at St Peter’s.
Each person involved will keep the figures for one night before they are moved on to the next home and finally returned to Church for Christmas.
Revd Paul explains, “The figures are given and received with a few prayers (printed on a card) and the Nativity figures (knitted locally) are placed in and around a model stable.
“We send it out from our Christingle service (the 1st Sunday of December) and receive it back at the Crib Service on Christmas Eve.”
St James’ Church in Rawthorpe and Christ Church in Moldgreen are also working together to run a similar Posada this year for the second time.
Revd Heather Atkinson, Vicar of Moldgreen and Rawthorpe, says, “Not everyone can get hold of donkeys and camels and actors but we can easily get hold of knitted Nativity figures or suitable alternative ones.
“Prayers are also essential items so people have a chance to pray together when the change-over happens or simply as part of your time with the holy family.”
She adds, “It needs to arrive in Church on the Sundays in Advent so you can share from people’s diary entries what the figures have done on their travels during the other Sundays of Advent.
“They finish their journey by arriving in church on Christmas Day.”
Revd Heather explains, “It’s an opportunity for fellowship and mission as well as spreading some good old Christmas cheer.
“You can invite someone for dinner, take Mary, Joseph and Co. to the pub/restaurant, take them to work or school. You can ask a shop if they would like to have the Posada to stay.
“You never know what will ripple out from having the Holy family to stay.”
“Last year a couple invited their grandson for tea,” Revd Heather continues.
“Mary, Joseph and the gang inspired him to ask questions about Jesus and from this he decided to start coming to church with his Grandparents.
“Earlier this year he approached me and asked to be confirmed! He felt the Holy Spirit tingle through his body as Bishop Jonathan laid hands on him in November!”
Revd Heather says, “This year so far, it has created a carol service in the Residential Home for the elderly and it has had a lot of people asking questions.
“So unless you try it, you never know how God may use some simple knitted figures.”
Both images are taken from the Posada travelling through Rawthorpe and Moldgreen.
If you are interested in beginning your own Posada, please visit the Church Army’s website here to access their resources: http://www.churcharmy.org.uk/Groups/248192/Church_Army/Church_Army/Resources/Posada/Posada.aspx
If you are interested in taking part in St Peter’s Posada, please email Alison Sowden at: bongobean.as@gmail.com
If you interested in taking part in St James’ and Christ Church's Posada, please email Revd Heather Atkinson, at: heatherwood19@yahoo.co.uk