The Posada

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The Christmas Posada expresses perfectly the suspense and surprises of the season. It is a prayer, a play, a party anda gathering for families, parishes and whole communities. It is a celebration that children and adults can enjoy together, aswell as those from all different cultural backgrounds.

The word posada means “inn” or “shelter” in Spanish. The inn, of course, is the shelter that Mary and Joseph seek asthe Virgin prepares to give birth. In the Posada tradition, children dress in period clothes and act out the journey throughBethlehem, going from door to door, seeking a safe place for the Christ child to be born.

Even if you are not familiar with the Christmas Posada, the Knights of Columbus invites you to join this ancient observance that will open for you the deeper meaning of a joyful season. The spirit of Christmas can be lost in the bustle and commercialism of the season. But the Posada is designed to bring you into the heart of the Christmas mystery, which is the Christ child, the eternal Son of God born of the Virgin Mary.

The tradition was brought to the New World by 16th century missionaries – those who were willing to give their livesto spread the Gospel of Christ. They designed the simple ceremonies so that the natives would come to know and loveJesus and his Blessed Mother. These are the deep roots the Posada hold in our hemisphere.

It is in keeping with the other traditions of the Advent season – the four weeks the Church gives us to prepare forChristmas – such as decorating a tree or blessing an Advent wreath. The Posada also leads the faithful to an interior preparation through prayer, penance and works of charity.

This season, celebrate the Posada. Pray the Advent and Christmas mysteries. Accompany Mary and Joseph as theysearch for room at the inn. Sing the Posada songs. Make and break a piñata, with treats for children. Gather for a mealand share time with others. These are Christmas joys that bring people together and unite our hearts in love. In Christ,we are all one.

We hope that in this book, you will find an opportunity to celebrate Christ in Christmas.

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You can make this ceremony as simple or as ornate as you want. The important thing is to get children and adultsworking together, while involving people from your council, parish or community in a common endeavor.

This book provides the prayers and scripts that you can use word for word, or as an outline for a simpler ceremony. Please note that some practice and rehearsal will be necessary to make sure that everyone knows their roles.Costumes may be simple or elaborate, depending on the desire and talents of those involved.

A Posada may be held at any time during Advent, but traditionally it is staged sometime during the nine days beforeChristmas, December 16-24. In fact, in the fullest form of the tradition, a Posada is held at different churches in an areaon each of the nine days, to make a novena. But you need not go to such lengths – one evening is enough.

Knights of Columbus councils and Catholic parishes are especially encouraged to hold a Posada. To organize one inyour council or parish, you should appoint committee members to handle each element of the ceremony. Work with yourcouncil chaplain or parish priest to set an appropriate date, and make sure to review with him the prayers and readings,which are contained in this book.

It is best to hold the Posada in the evening, so that the candles will add a dramatic effect.

The following order of events is recommended for the Posada. Don’t feel pressured to include every part if yourcouncil or parish can do only one or two. It is better to perform part of the celebration than to neglect it all together.

1. Nativity Mysteries2. Procession with Mary and Joseph3. Singing of the Posada

a. Pastorelab. Piñatac. Colaciones (sweet snacks)

It is best to have a master of ceremonies to welcome everyone and explain each part of the Posada.

Remember to have fun and keep the spirit of love and understanding in your heart. Remember that the Posada ismeant to glorify Jesus and to share the faith with others.

Let us look now at each part of the Posada.

How to Hold a Posada

Advent and Christmas mysteries include a selection of Gospel readings with participants, preferably children, taking parts whiledressed up like the people of that time. After each reading, a meditation is read.

There are five mysteries, and it is best to place stations, representing each mystery, separated by a reasonable distance so that themembers of the community can walk while praying a Hail Mary and singing a Christmas carol.

For the enactment of each reading, there will have to be at least 10 children dressed up. Before each reading, children should beat the station with costumes corresponding to each scene, and they can participate by saying the words of each character.

After the reading, another person reads a meditation and then begins the Our Father, indicating that community members shouldstart walking toward the next station. After the Hail Mary and the short prayer, a Christmas carol is sung. When arriving at the nextstation, the corresponding children should be ready to start the next scene, and so on.

Here are the readings for each station, the meditations, prayers and carols you can use between stations:

All: In the name of the Father...

Master of Ceremonies (MC): Let us meditate on these holy mysteries.

All: Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you. And I detest all my sins because of your just punishments, but most ofall because they offend you, my God, who are worthy of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of your grace, to sin no more, andto avoid the near occasions of sin . Amen.

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“The prophet condemns the injustice and abuse of power and announces the coming of our Savior”

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MC: FIRST MYSTERY“The prophet condemns injustice and abuse of power and announces the coming of our Savior.”

Reader 1 (Chaplain or member of the community): A reading from the prophet Isaiah (Is 10: 1-3; 28: 1; 29: 15; 30: 1; 11, 1-4; 35: 3-6 and 10)

Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and who write oppressive decrees, depriving the needy of judgment and robbing my people’s poor of their rights, making widows their plunder, and orphans their prey! What will you do on theday of punishment, when ruin comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help?

Woe to the head of him who is stupefied with wine!

Woe to those who would hide their plans too deep for the LORD! Who work in the dark, saying, “Who sees us,or who knows us?”

Woe to the rebellious children, says the LORD, who carry out plans that are not mine, who weave webs that arenot inspired by me, adding sin upon sin.

But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORDshall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding; a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledgeand of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsayshall he decide. But he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruth-less with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.

Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak. Say to those whose hearts are frightened:Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication, with divine recompense he comes to save you. Thenwill the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared. Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongueof the dumb will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe.

Fear not my people, I am coming to help you. I am your redeemer, the holy one of Israel.

Reader 2: Meditation The voice of the prophet is always present, condemning injustice, the malice of the arrogant man, who trusts his

power, who gloats over his pleasure. He speaks against those whose only care is possessing, through cheating, fraud and injustice, always against the poorest and most dispossessed on earth. Today the promise of the Lord is still valid: I, myself,will save my people. I will take care of my flock. I will seek the lost sheep. I will bring back the lost, and I will bind upthe crippled. I will strengthen the weak.

Let’s ask in this mystery: Come Jesus! Don’t be long, your people awaits you, needs and trusts you.

Chaplain: Our Father; 3 Hail Marys, Glory BeAll respond to each prayer

Chaplain: My God, come help us.

All: Lord, make haste to help us.

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Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la, la la la, la la la. Troll the ancient Yule tide carol, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Strike the harp and join the chorus. Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Deck the Halls Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la, la la la la. While I tell of Yule tide treasure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing we joyous, all together, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

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Second Mystery“The Annunciation”

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MC: SECOND MYSTERY“The Annunciation”

Reader 1: A reading from the Gospel of Luke (Lk, 1: 26-38)

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed

to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of

grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this

might be. Then the angel said to her, “Fear not, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in

your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.”

But Mary said to the angel, “How shall this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in

reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child

to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old

age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren, for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said,

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Reader 2: MeditationGod always fulfills his promises, and in the incarnation of the Word, our salvation is conceived. It is the beginning

of the predicted time of justice for those who suffer, freedom for the captive and reward for the poor in spirit.

In this mystery, let’s ask God our Father that the salvation brought and realized by Christ may be manifested in

each of the members of the Church, that justice may mean not only the wish to receive, but the commitment to share,

so that we may long for spiritual rather that earthly values.

Chaplain: Our Father; 3 Hail Marys, Glory BeAll respond to each prayer.

Chaplain: Mary, mother of grace, mother of mercy,

All: In life and in death protect us, great Lady.

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Away in a manger,No crib for His bedThe little Lord JesusLaid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright skyLooked down where He layThe little Lord JesusAsleep on the hay

The cattle are lowingThe poor Baby wakesBut little Lord JesusNo crying He makes

Away in a Manger I love Thee, Lord JesusLook down from the skyAnd stay by my side,'Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,I ask Thee to stayClose by me foreverAnd love me I pray

Bless all the dear childrenIn Thy tender careAnd take us to heavenTo live with Thee there.

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Third Mystery“Mary and Joseph ask for shelter”

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MC: THIRD MYSTERY“Mary and Joseph ask for shelter”

Reader 1: A reading from the Gospel of Luke (Lk 2: 1-7)In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first

enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph toowent up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he wasof the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there,the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothesand laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Reader 2: MeditationMary and Joseph were not able to find a room at the inn because so many people came to enroll themselves. They

knocked on many doors, but were only offered a place in a cowshed. And it was there, among hay and straw, by thewarmth provided by country animals, that “God made man, king of the universe” was born. And these animals, lackingin understanding, were the first to pay tribute to their creator.

Joseph and Mary are still asking for shelter and knocking on doors, for God the Father entrusted them with a mission: Jesus should be born in every heart. Let’s open our doors, let’s receive in faith these wonderful guests. Let’sopen the way to the eternal Light. Let’s turn our hearts into a loving cradle that the Redeemer may be born in it.


Chaplain: Jesus, Joseph and Mary,

All: Be the salvation of my soul.

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Silent night, holy nightAll is calm, all is brightRound yon Virgin Mother and ChildHoly Infant so tender and mildSleep in heavenly peaceSleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night!Shepherds quake at the sightGlories stream from heaven afarHeavenly hosts sing Alleluia!Christ, the Saviour is bornChrist, the Saviour is born.

Silent night, holy nightSon of God, love’s pure lightRadiant beams from Thy holy faceWith the dawn of redeeming graceJesus, Lord, at Thy birthJesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Silent Night

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Fourth Mystery“Announcement to the shepherds”

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MC: FOURTH MYSTERY“Announcement to the shepherds”

Reader 1: A reading from the Gospel of Luke (Lk 2: 8-14)Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel

of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. Theangel said to them, “Fear not! Behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

“For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign foryou: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude ofthe heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those onwhom his favor rests.”

Reader 2: MeditationWho are these men of good will who will enjoy God’s peace? Men of good will do not harbor either resentment

or unruly passions, and do not wish or speak ill of anybody. Men of good will believe with no limits, hope with no limits, know how to forgive and know how to love.

Let’s ask humbly in this mystery that such “peace” come to us, that God fill our soul, mind and heart, that we mayshare it with our family and our neighbors. Let’s pray for peace in our nation and among all peoples on earth.


Chaplain: Glory to God in the highest

All: and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased.

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We three kings of Orient areBearing gifts we traverse afarField and fountain, moor and mountainFollowing yonder star.

O Star of wonder, star of nightStar with royal beauty brightWestward leading, still proceedingGuide us to thy Perfect Light.

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plainGold I bring to crown Him againKing forever, ceasing neverOver us all to rein.

O Star of wonder, star of nightStar with royal beauty brightWestward leading, still proceedingGuide us to Thy perfect light.

Frankincense to offer have IIncense owns a Deity nighPray’r and praising, all men raisingWorship Him, God most high.

We Three Kings of Orient Are O Star of wonder, star of nightStar with royal beauty brightWestward leading, still proceedingGuide us to Thy perfect light.

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfumeBreathes of life of gathering gloomSorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dyingSealed in the stone-cold tomb.


Glorious now behold Him ariseKing and God and SacrificeAlleluia, AlleluiaEarth to heav’n replies.


Fifth Mystery“The three wise men worship Jesus”

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MC: FIFTH MYSTERY“The three wise men worship Jesus”

Reader 1: A reading from the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 2: 1-11):When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in

Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him hom-age.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priestsand the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehemof Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means leastamong the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent themto Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too maygo and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at itsrising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing thestar, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him hom-age. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Reader 2: MeditationThough being of pagan origin, the wise men were able to tell by a star the coming of the Savior; leaving their

homeland, they came a long way to worship him.

If we want to “go to Jesus” we must leave many things behind — our own interests, our selfishness and pride —to be ready to persevere on our long journey to perfection.

The Holy Spirit is the light guiding us. Let’s heed his guidance and offer Jesus the gold of a faith proven even in thecrucible of tribulations, the incense of our prayers and the myrrh of our good actions.


Chaplain: Oh, my Jesus,

All: Forgive our sins, save us from the fire of hell, and take all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of yourmercy.

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While shepherds watchedTheir flocks by nightAll seated on the groundThe angel of the Lord came downAnd glory shone aroundAnd glory shone around.

“Fear not,” he said,For mighty dreadHad seized their troubled mindsGlad tidings of great joy I bringTo you and all mankind,To you and all mankind.

“To you in David’sTown this dayIs born of David’s lineThe Savior who is Christ the LordAnd this shall be the signAnd this shall be the sign.”

While Shepherds Watched “The heavenly BabeYou there shall findTo human view displayedAnd meanly wrappedIn swathing bandsAnd in a manger laidAnd in a manger laid.”

Thus spake the seraph,And forthwithAppeared a shining throngOf angels praising God, who thusAddressed their joyful songAddressed their joyful song.

“All glory be toGod on highAnd to the earth be peace;Goodwill henceforthFrom heaven to menBegin and never ceaseBegin and never cease!”

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Procession with Mary & Joseph Litany

After the mysteries, the procession takes place in which the community intones the litany of the Rosary while itwalks with candles and is led by Mary, expecting Baby Jesus, and Joseph. The candles, which all members of the community are invited to light, are a symbol of the hope and joy with which the Church awaits her savior, Jesus Christ.

Two children, or an adult couple, could be selected to play the parts of Mary and Joseph, or images of them can becarried. While praying the litany led by the Chaplain, the procession will make its way to a door or perhaps anotherhouse or building, where the singing of the Posada will take place.

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LitanyChaplain: Our Father who art in Heaven ...All respond to the prayer.

Chaplain: Hail Holy Mary, Daughter of God the Father, in your hands we place our Faith that you may enlighten it.You are full ofgrace, our Lord is with you, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

All: Holy Mary, Mother of God …

Chaplain: Hail Holy Mary, Mother of God the Son, in your hands we lay our Hope that you may strengthen it. You are full of grace,our Lord is with you, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.


Chaplain: Hail Holy Mary, Mother of God the Son, in your hands we lay our Love that you may increase it. You are full of grace,our Lord is with you, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.


Chaplain: Hail Holy Mary, Temple and Tabernacle of the Holy Trinity, Virgin conceived without original sin.

All: Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve,to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley, of tears.

Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thywomb Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God; that we may be made worthy of thepromises of Christ.

Chaplain: Lord, have mercy on us.

All: Lord, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary,Pray for us.

Holy Mother of God,Pray for us.

Holy Virgin of Virgins,Pray for us.

Mother of Christ,Pray for us.

Mother of the Church,Pray for us.

Mother of divine grace,Pray for us.

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Mother most pure,Pray for us.

Mother most chaste,Pray for us.

Mother inviolate,Pray for us.

Mother undefiled,Pray for us.

Mother Immaculate,Pray for us.

Mother most amiable,Pray for us.

Mother most admirable,Pray for us.

Mother of good counsel,Pray for us.

Mother of our Creator,Pray for us.

Mother of our Savior,Pray for us.

Mother most prudent,Pray for us.

Mother most venerable,Pray for us.

Virgin most renowned,Pray for us.

Christ, have mercy on us,Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us,Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us,Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us,Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Heavenly Father,Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God,Have mercy on us.

Virgin most powerful,Pray for us.

Virgin most merciful,Pray for us.

Virgin most faithful,Pray for us.

Mirror of justice,Pray for us.

Seat of wisdom,Pray for us.

Vessel of honor,Pray for us.

Singular vessel of devotion,Pray for us.

Mystical rose,Pray for us.

Tower of David,Pray for us.

Tower of ivory,Pray for us.

House of gold,Pray for us.

Ark of the Covenant,Pray for us.

Gate of Heaven,Pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,Have mercy upon us.

All: We invoke your protection Holy Mother of God, that we maybe made worthy of the divine grace and the promises of our Lord JesusChrist. Amen.

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Morning star,Pray for us.

Health of the sick,Pray for us.

Refuge of sinners,Pray for us.

Comforter of the afflicted,Pray for us.

Help of Christians,Pray for us.

Queen of angels,Pray for us.

Queen of patriarchs,Pray for us.

Queen of prophets,Pray for us.

Queen of Apostles,Pray for us.

Queen of confessors,Pray for us.

Queen of virgins,Pray for us.

Queen of all saints,Pray for us.

Queen conceived without original sin,Pray for us.

Queen assumed into Heaven,Pray for us.

Queen of the most Holy Rosary,Pray for us.

Queen of peace,Pray for us.

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Singing of the Posada“Pedir Posada” (or asking for shelter) represents the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph as they seek the door to the

human heart to give birth to Baby Jesus. The rejections in the song reflect the hardness of hearts that do not acceptthe presence of Jesus in their lives.

When the procession — which will reenact Mary and Joseph’s quest for shelter in Bethlehem — arrives to thedesignated place for the singing of the Posada song, two groups need to form: one outside the door that sings the partthat corresponds to Joseph who asks for shelter, and a second group behind the door that sings the part of the innkeeper saying that there is no room. The song switches back and forth a few times until finally the innkeeper decides

to let them in. The door is opened and everyone goes inside where the celebration continues.

This is normally an appropriate time to serve something to eatwhile people await the other traditional elements of the Posada,the Pastorela, the breaking of the Piñata and the Colaciones.

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No seas inhumano, tennos caridad, que el Dios de los cielos te lo premiará.

En el nombre delcielo os pido posada pues no puede andar mi esposa amada.

Adentro Afuera

Ya se pueden ir y no molestar porque si me enfado os voy a apalear.

Aquí no es mesón, sigan adelante Yo no debo abrir, no sea algúntunante.

Pidiendo Posada

Please show us some mercy; Do grant us this favor, For the God of heaven will be sure to repay you.

In the name of Heaven Please give us some shelter, for she cannot walk my beloved wife.

Outside Singers Inside Response

You can keep on walkingAnd do stop knockingFor if I get angryI will beat you badly.

You are not at an inn So keep on your way For I cannot open you might be a rogue.

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I’m asking you for shelterO beloved hostFor a single night for the Queen of Heaven.

We are very tiredCame from Nazareth Joseph is my nameCarpenter by trade.

If it is a queen Who’s asking for helpWhy is she so lonelyIn this freezing night?

I don’t care for the name: Let me go to sleep, because as I told you I won’t open to thee.

My wife is Mary She’s the Queen of Heaven And is to be motherTo the Holy Word.

So your name is Joseph? And your wife is Mary? Enter you pilgrims; I was not aware

May God reward you, For your charity, and may Heaven fill you with all the joy.

Blessed is the house that shelters this day the pure Virgin, the beautiful Mary.

Posada te pide, amado casero, por sólo una noche la Reina del Cielo.

Venimos rendidos desde Nazaret, yo soy carpintero de nombre José.

Pues si es una reina quien lo solicita, ¿cómo es que de noche anda tan solita?

No me importa el nombre, déjenme dormir, pues que yo les digo que no hemos de abrir.

Mi esposa es María, es Reina del Cielo y madre va a ser del Divino Verbo.

¿Eres tú, José? ¿Tu esposa es María? Entren, peregrinos, no los conocía.

Dios pague, señores, vuestra caridad, y que os colme el cielo de felicidad.

¡Dichosa la casa que alberga este día a la Virgen pura. la hermosa María!

Outside Singers Inside ResponseAdentro Afuera

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Oh, graced pilgrim, oh, most beautiful Mary. I offer you my soul so you may have lodging.

Enter, holy pilgrims, receive this corner, for though this dwelling is poor, I offer it with all my heart.

Humble pilgrims, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give my soul for them And my heart as well.

All Sing

Let us sing with joy, all bearing in mind that Jesus, Joseph and Maryhonor us by having come.

Upon opening the doors at the final stop, the tune changes, the pilgrims enter, and all sing these final verses in unison:

Oh, peregrina agraciada, oh,bellísima María. Yo te ofrezcoel alma mía para que tengáisposada.

Entren, Santos Peregrinos, reciban este rincón, que aunque es pobre la morada, os la doy de corazón.

Humildes peregrinos Jesús, María y José, el alma doy por ellos, mi corazón también.

Adentro

Cantemos con alegría todos al considerar que Jesús, José y María nos vinieron a honrar.

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Piñata

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The piñata also originated as an important element of the Posada. It was at these celebrations held in the days leading up to Christmas that the missionaries introduced the piñata. They used the piñata as an allegory to help themin their efforts to evangelize the native people of the region.

The original piñata was shaped like a star with seven points. The points represent the seven deadly sins, and thebright colors of the piñata symbolize temptation. The blindfold represents faith and the stick is virtue and grace to overcome sin. The candies and other goodies inside the piñata are the riches of the kingdom of heaven. The message isthat with faith, virtue, grace, and the help and guidance of those who surround us, our family and the community, wecan overcome sin, break its chains and receive all the rewards of heaven.

To break the piñata, follow these steps. In an open area, hang the the piñata on a rope held high by both ends ortied up on one and held on the other; this allows the person who holds it to move the piñata up and down making itsbreaking difficult. Children and blindfolded persons take turns to try to break the piñata. While they try, those surrounding the piñata try to guide the blindfolded to break it and sing the piñata song.

We recommend that you have a piñata for each age groups. A piñata contest could be also a motivational idea forthe community.

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Follow these directions to make a colorful piñata using newspaper.

Materials Needed:• Large, Round Balloon • Newspaper • Paste (glue)

a) Water b) Flour

• Paint • String or Yarn • Masking Tape

Instructions:Tear several newspaper pages into strips. You will want them 1-inch wide and about 6 - 8 inches long. Set them aside.

Use a large bowl to prepare your papier–mâche paste. I would suggest use a bowl that is easy to soak and clean (glassperhaps) or even a disposable bowl. There are many different recipes available for papier-mâche paste. This no-cook papier-mâche paste recipe is a good one to make with kids because it is easy to make and does not require heat. Simplymix together 1 part flour to 2 parts water. You will want it to be the consistency of thick glue, but you also want it to berunny and not thick like paste. Add more water or flour as necessary. Mix well to remove any lumps. A few helpful tips inregards to using this paste are:

• If you live in an area with high humidity, add a few tablespoons of salt to help prevent mold.

• If you don't like the smell of the glue mixture you can add a few sprinkles of cinnamon to sweeten it up!

You should be able to store this glue in a covered bowl or jar, in the refrigerator, for a few days.

Once the paste and the newspaper strips are ready, inflate the balloon and tie it well. Now you are ready to start withthe newspaper! (To hold your balloon while you are working on it, you might want to try to set it in a cup or bowl that is covered with plastic wrap.)

Dip the newspaper strips into the glue you made. Remove any extra glue on the newspaper piece by running it throughyour fingers. Spread the newspaper onto the balloon. Completely cover the balloon, leaving a small hole on the end wherethe balloon is tied so you can remove the balloon and fill the piñata. Let the first layer dry. Add two more layers of papier-mâche to your balloon. Allow each layer to dry completely before putting on the next layer. Once it is dry, pop theballoon and remove it through the opening you left.

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Making a Piñata

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You can now decorate your piñata. The fastest way is to paint it with bright designs. After the paint is dry, you canhang some crepe paper streamers from the bottom. You can also wrap strips of crepe paper around your piñata, cutting fringe along the edge.

You can also decorate your piñata using 3 inch squares of tissue paper. Spread some glue on your piñata. Hold thefour corners of your tissue paper square together and then stick the center of the tissue paper square onto the glue. The ends should remain sticking up so they won’t touch.

To hang your piñata, poke four small holes evenly spaced around the larger hole in the top. Thread a piece of string,yarn, or even fishing line through each hole and tie the together at the top. Cover the holes and secure the string further using pieces of masking tape. Tie a longer piece of string onto these.

When you hit the piñata, the tradition is that others sing the following song:

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Hit it, hit it, hit itDon't lose your aimBecause if you lose itYou will lose your way.

You hit it onceYou hit it twiceYou hit it three timesAnd your time is up.

Piñata Song

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Pastorelas are theatrical presentations of the shepherds (los pastores) on their way to see Baby Jesus. They havebecome light-hearted comedic presentations. In the play, the shepherds encounter various obstacles on their journeywith devils, who try to distract them and make them lose their way to Bethlehem. Angels, however, make appearancesto protect them and show them the way. At the end, shepherds make their way to the Holy Family to witness the birthof Christ, leaving a lesson for the viewers.

This representation needs to be planned ahead of time and practiced with the participants. This is a great opportunity to get the entire community involved. The script of the play could be written by a member of the community which should take into account different regional elements or specific catechetical lessons, especially if thechildren of the community participate. Here is an example of a script for a Pastorela play for children:

Pastorela

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Script for the PastorelaSCENE 1

Narrator: In the time of Herod, God sent Archangel Gabriel to Nazareth, to visit a maiden betrothed to a man of theHouse of David, called Joseph. The maiden’s name was Mary, and the Archangel saluted her saying:

Archangel: Hail Mary, full of grace. (Mary watches in awe.) The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women.Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth ason, and will call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will givehim the throne of his father, David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to hisKingdom.

Mary: How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?

Archangel: The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore alsothe holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. Behold, your cousin Elizabeth also has conceived ason in her old age. For everything spoken by God is possible.

Mary: (kneeling) Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.

SCENE 2

Narrator: In those days, Mary arose and went to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

(Elizabeth is seen sitting, she stands up when she hears Mary entering.)

Mary: God be with you, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that themother of my Lord should come to me? And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what wasspoken to her the Lord.

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Mary: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of hishandmaiden.

Narrator: In these days before Jesus was to be born, the government gave the order that all should be enrolled in theplace of origin of their lineage. Mary and Joseph, in compliance with the order, left for Bethlehem, the city of David, forthat was where Joseph’s family came from. The Gospel tells us that near Bethlehem some shepherds were keeping watchover their flock by night.

SCENE 3

Narrator:That is the wonderful night when we travel in thought to Judea.

Shepherd 1: How bright the stars look tonight!

Shepherd 2: You are right, I feel this night is not like all others. A long time after sunset the countryside is still lit upas if it were daytime.

Shepherds: That is right, that is right!

Nestor: Of course it is not right! You are always seeing things. The only strange thing I have seen is that my wineskinis out of wine since noon and I don’t know who did it.

Shepherd 1: There you go with your groundless claims!

Nestor: Now I know! It was you, Anthony.

Shepherd 1: I haven’t touched your wine, and don’t you tell lies about me.

Nestor: You give me back my wine.

Shepherd 1: Be quiet!, I saw you steal John’s lamb and then hide.

Nestor: That’s not true.

Shepherd 2: Be quiet! Can’t you be together without quarreling?

Shepherd 1: What I say is true. There is something special about tonight, I think the fulfillment of the prophecies is near.

Shepherds: What do the prophecies say?

Shepherd 2: That the Redeemer will be born.

Shepherdess 1:That the Shepherd will come to His people.

Shepherdess 2: How will the Messiah be?

Shepherdess 3: A strong and powerful warrior. Otherwise, how could he save our people?

Shepherdess 1: He will be a king overpowering strangers.

Shepherd 2: You’re all wrong. He will be more than a warrior and more than a king.

Nestor: Keep dreaming, you gullible people. How can a Jew be greater than Caesar? You’re mad.

Shepherd 1: You’re an unbeliever. You’re always angry...

Shepherdess 3: Let Gil tell us something about the prophecies.

Gil: Well, you all know that our parents and our parents’ parents for all times have been waiting for a Messiah to come.Prophets told about Him, saying he will be the hope of nations. Prophet Isaiah said he will be born to a virgin, his namewill be Emmanuel, which means “God among us”.

Shepherds: God among us?

Anthony: Prophet Malachi said that kings would honor him and would come by his cradle.

Shepherdess 1: If kings will honor him, then he will be more than a king.

Gil: Prophet Jeremiah announced what will happen in this time: the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will walk,the mute will speak.

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Anthony: And Zechariah told us that the Messiah would be called the Prince of Peace.

Sarah: Well, by the way, where will the Redeemer be born?

Gil: Listen to what Malachi said: “And you, Bethlehem, are not the least in the leaders of Judah: for out of you shall issuea Leader who shall feed my People”.

All: In Bethlehem.

Sarah: Right here.

Louisa: How wonderful! The truth of the Lord has been revealed to us through his prophets, now we understand itclearly.

Nestor: It’s a nice story, but all prophets have been waiting for the Messiah and have died without seeing him. I thinkhe’ll never come.

Anthony: You don’t believe in anything. Aren’t you ashamed of your behavior?

Nestor: Ashamed, me? Don’t be a fool, I’m not ashamed of anything, do you hear me, of anything …

Bernarda: When is the Messiah coming?

Gil: There is a way to find out. Angel Gabriel appeared one day to Prophet Daniel and told him it would happen seventy weeks after the reconstruction of Jerusalem.

Louisa: Then it is time for him to come, time is up, and if these prophecies are true, we must expect him soon.

(Mooing is heard, Louisa, Bernarda and Anthony get up.)

Bernarda: The flock is dispersing.

Anthony: Let us gather it (all leave, Nestor won’t budge).

Anthony: Come on, Nestor, don’t stay here.

Nestor: I’m quite comfortable here. You go. How nice it is to rest, not to worry about anything. Be quiet and calm …(the devil appears behind him. Suspense... Nestor is startled).

Satan: Don’t be scared. What harm can I do to you? Especially to you. All others have left, but you know how to enjoylife.

Nestor: Ok, ok, but don’t come too near.

Satan: All others work, you don’t have to, since you’re resting. Other suffer, you enjoy yourself. Listen, your friendsbelieve a bunch of lies that are nothing but old wives’ tales. Yes, old wives’ tales. You, my good friend, have a practicalsense.

Nestor: So I’ve been told, that I’ve always been clever, since childhood.

Satan: Clever? (aside) You will soon find out how clever you really are (pause). What is all that about a starry night? The Messiah coming (he squirms.) Ha, Ha, Ha! You don’t believe that, do you?

Nestor: Of course not. They are certainly a bit dumb, but they are good companions.

Satan: By the way, what is your name?

Nestor: My name is Nestor, and who are you?

Satan: Would you believe I’m the devil?

Nestor: Ha, Ha Ha! Even if you were.

Satan: Well, I am, look at my horns.

Nestor: That is not exclusive to the devil. Some animals also have horns.

Satan: Look at my tail, look at my face. Aren’t you scared?

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Nestor: Scared? Me? You make me laugh. Look, at most you’re a poor devil.

Satan: (furious) A poor devil. You horrible shepherd. Just feel that! (He runs after him whipping him with his tail.)

Nestor: (cries and writhes in pain) Ouch, you burn like the devil!

Satan: Well, let’s patch things up, for good, and let’s also make a deal. You’re cleverer than your companions, you’reyoung and must enjoy life, and I’ll give you a lot of money if you do me a favor.

Nestor: What kind of a favor?

Satan: It’s very easy. You just have to convince your companions that all these lies about the Savior are just that, all lies(he shows him a bag full of money).

Nestor: (accepting the bag) Well, Well! That’s no problem. The devil isn’t as ugly as they make him look.

Satan: Well, my friends! Till death! (he leaves)

Nestor: Till death ... money, a lot of money! I can do so many things with this money (picking up the bag) (Anthony entersand Nestor tries to hide the bag) (Enter all shepherds)

Anthony: Nestor, why are you so rude to us? Why are you so jealous, such a rebel? Why don’t you want peace?

Nestor: Why? Because all of you take religion as the center of your lives.

Anthony: So, what’s wrong with that? I’d say quite the opposite, that it is fair and true. Well, let’s not quarrel and sithere to enjoy this wonderful night.

SCENE 4

Narrator: Let’s go back to Joseph and Mary, who had left for Bethlehem, in order to enroll. Since they were quite faraway, they arrived at nighttime and all inns were full, so they were forced to ask for a shelter from house to

house.

Joseph: (to the children and walking in front of them while he sings.) In the name of heaven, please give ussome shelter, for she cannot walk, my beloved wife.

Children: You are not at an inn, Keep on, on your way. For I cannot open. You might be a rogue.

Joseph: Please show us some mercy. Do grant us this favor. For the Lord in Heaven will be sure to repay you.

Children: You can keep on walking, and do stop knocking, for if I get angry, I will beat you badly.

Joseph: We are very tired, came from Nazareth, Joseph is my name, carpenter by trade.

Children: I don’t care for the name, Let me go to sleep, because as I told you, I won’t open for thee.

Joseph: We are asking for shelter, O beloved host, for a single night, for the queen of Heaven.

Children: If it is a queen, who is asking for help, why is she so lonely, in this freezing night?

Joseph: My wife is Mary, she’s queen of Heaven, and the mother will be, of the Holy Word.

Children: So your name is Joseph, and your wife is Mary, enter you pilgrims, I was not aware.

(They all go to the manger singing)

Narrator: Nobody wants to open or let them in. They all say there is no room for them. Then, Maryand Joseph, sad, tired and cold, are given shelter in a small cave. Before dawn, in the dark andsilence of the night, Baby Jesus is born to the Virgin Mary.

She takes Baby Jesus in her arms, looks at him with joy, kisses him for the first time and talks to him.

Let us all join in this lullaby.

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Narrator: Let us now go back to the shepherds who are caring for their flocks, some are sleeping, overly tired. BecauseGod loves intensely the poor, he wants them to be the first to know him. Suddenly, an angel of theLord appears by them to give them the Good News.

Shepherds: An angel, an angel! Look there, how beautiful!

Shepherdess: How pretty, so full of light!

Shepherdess: How wonderful!

Angel: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will. Do not be afraid, for I come toannounce to you good news that will be a cause for much joy among all the people.

Shepherd: Calm down, don’t be afraid.

Shepherd: He says we have nothing to be afraid of.

Shepherd: And he brings us news of great joy.

Angel: For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Shepherd: Listen, brothers, the Savior, the Messiah, the messenger of the Lord is born, give us a sign to recognize him.

Angel: And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.

Shepherdess: The hand of God has lit the night. The light comes from very high up.

Shepherd: It is the Child who lit the Stars.

Shepherdess: I believe in the Savior, I believe in Baby Jesus.

Nestor: I repent for having been a disbeliever. Forgive me, Lord. In my blindness and disbelief I strayed away from mybrothers, I sinned against Heaven and against You, I was arrogant, and I beg your pardon.

Shepherd: This star is showing us the way to Bethlehem.

Shepherd: It’s a large and bright star. Let’s follow it.

Shepherdess: The star is moving, it’s moving toward Bethlehem.

Shepherd: That’s right. Let’s get on our way.

Shepherdess: Yes, I want to see Baby Jesus, I want to touch him, I want to hold him in my arms.

Shepherd: It’s incredible, and yet it’s true! Let’s go to Bethlehem, let’s go see this amazing event the angel hasannounced to us.

Nestor: And we will not allow any doubt into our hearts.

Shepherd: It’s incredible!

Shepherd: Come on, shepherds, let’s go!

Song

Narrator: As Baby Jesus came for all men, rich and poor, those who know a lot and those who know nothing, he wantsthree wise men from far away countries to come to know him. The largest star is their sign.

Song

Narrator: When they arrived there, the wise men were in awe, saying, “Let’s thank God, that he came to be born, liveand die among us (they kneel). Melchior is bringing gold, for how could he give less to the king of the world. Casparbrings incense, to praise the king of heaven. Balthazar brings myrrh, for Baby Jesus is also a man.

And here are the Virgin, Joseph and the Child, surrounded by shepherds and wise men.

Final song

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Colaciones and the traditional food of the Posada

During Posadas festivities is customary to give guests a small basket or bag with different candies and/or seasonalfruit before they leave. This is called a “colación” or "box of sweets".

Lastly we have added a recipe for traditional punch, a drink made from different fruits that will liven up your Posadacelebration, and also a recipe to prepare traditional tamales.

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Ingredients

1.5 Kg of corn flour

500 gr of lard

2 & 1/2 tablespoons of salt

1 & 1/2 tablespoons of baking powder

1 y 1/2 cups of water & chicken stock

corn husks

Ingredients:4 liters of water 1 stick of cinnamon2 oranges 5 guavas Sugar cane, tejocotes (Mexican hawthorn), tangerines, or any other fruit – to taste500 grams of piloncillor brown sugar

Optional:50 mL of sherry 40 mL of cognac or Brandy

Directions: Boil water with the slice of cinnamon, slices of orange, and the piloncillo. Once the piloncillo dissolves, continue

cooking for 10 minutes. Add the fruit and cook for three more minutes. Serve either hot or cold.

Punch

Tamales

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PreparationIf the corn flour is fresh, add one and a half cups of chicken or beef stock, the lard, and the salt. Beat the mix well;

when a small ball of dough floats in a glass of cold water, add the baking powder.

If you use dry corn flour, wet it first with a small amount of water until it has a doughy consistency before addingthe stock and lard.

Filling the TamalesThe fillings of the tamales can be of many different sorts, although it is generally composed of some type of meat

(previously cooked). For example, it can be filled with:• Shredded chicken• Shredded pork

The meat can be mixed with:• Mole sauce• Cushaw• Green or red salsa

It can also be filled with:• Beans (somewhat dry) with a slice of melted cheese• Slices of chili peppers with a slice of fresh cheese• Squash blossoms with a slice of fresh or melted cheese

Preparation of the tamalesThe corn husks should be soaked in advance for two or three hours. They should be soft and flexible.

Spread the prepared dough on the husk. The tamale can be of any size, although it is recommended that the sizebe that of a cooking spoon. With the same spoon, make a space in the center to place the filling. After the filling is putin place, close the husks while making sure the filling remains in the center of the dough. First fold across the width ofthe husk before folding the length of it. Make sure the tamale is about 10cm high, 5 cm wide, and two or three thick.

Now that the tamales have been prepared, place them in a pressure cooker or a steamer. It takes approximately10 minutes in the pressure cooker and between 25 and 35 minutes in the steamer. Eat while still warm (without the husk).

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We hope that these guidelines help you tocelebrate Christ this Christmas with yourfamily and with all your community.

Have a Merry, Merry Christmas.

Documents

The Posada