LAS POSADAS CELEBRATES JESUS' HUMBLE BIRTH.Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer CANOGA PARK - The Mexican tradition of Las Posadas Posadas (pōsä`thäs), city (1991 pop. 211,297), capital of Misiones prov., NE Argentina, a port on the upper Paraná River. Its industries include woodworking and metallurgy. will take place Dec. 19 at Faith Lutheran Church, which plans a one-night program recounting the Christmas story. Las Posadas - the Inns - is a procession that depicts the search by Joseph and Mary for a place to stay in Bethlehem. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Scripture, the couple was turned away from inns along their route from Nazareth to Bethlehem, so they took shelter in a stable, where Jesus Christ Jesus Christ: see Jesus. Jesus Christ 40 days after Resurrection, ascended into heaven. [N.T.: Acts 1:1–11] See : Ascension Jesus Christ kind to the poor, forgiving to the sinful. [N.T. was born. By tradition, Las Posadas is held for nine consecutive nights, beginning Dec. 16. Accompanied by participants singing Las Posadas songs, a couple chosen to portray Joseph and Mary walks from house to house, re-creating the couple's search for a place to stay. ``One of the reasons for participating in Las Posadas is for the community to be a witness for the need for shelter for this holy family and to be with them in their search,'' said the Rev. Wayne Christiansen of Faith Lutheran Church. ``It is a reminder of the humble beginnings Humble Beginnings was an American pop punk band from New Jersey. While never gaining large-scale success, many of the band's members went on to mainstream success with other outfits. of Jesus.'' While this charming yet solemn custom is a Roman Catholic tradition in Mexico, the congregation at Faith Lutheran Church sees its one-night Las Posadas as an opportunity to invite their neighbors to experience a part of a Mexican Christmas. Luminarias will light the way to each ``inn'' - the classrooms of the church's school. Participants will be given a candle to hold as they follow the children chosen to portray Joseph and Mary. A mariachi mariachi Traditional Mexican street ensemble. The performer, the musical style, and the musical ensemble are called mariachi. Mariachi music emerged in the late 1700s or early 1800s. band is scheduled to accompany the procession. ``My husband is from Mexico and I think doing Las Posadas is a wonderful way to bring a tradition from his culture to our children,'' said church secretary and member Laurie Delgado. ``The church is reaching out to the Hispanic community surrounding the church to say, hey, we're here and we're offering something you are familiar with, something you can relate to.'' Goretti Ortiz, a parish member of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church is a parish church in the city of Latonia, Kentucky. The parish, part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington, Kentucky, was founded in 1891. in Moorpark and an experienced organizer of Las Posadas events, gave cultural and practical advice. ``Las Posadas is like an advent. In Mexico it is beautiful. Lanterns and cut paper decorate the streets where the procession goes,'' said Ortiz. ``People are singing Christmas songs in Spanish. Sometimes statues of Mary and Joseph are carried instead of people portraying them. ``When you do Las Posadas you are realizing what this season is about and you're not rushing to shop.'' Ortiz said that participants can get very emotional at a Las Posadas procession. ``There is a sense of pride and joy as you go to show your adoration adoration, n a prayer of worship and praise. and love of Christ,'' said Ortiz, who was born in Mexico. ``It's a fun way to pass on certain traditions of my faith to my children.'' The event is a perfect fund raising tie-in for a Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity, nonprofit ecumenical Christian organization that enables low-income people to own affordable, livable housing. Headquartered in Americus, Ga., it was founded in 1976 by businessman Millard Fuller and his wife. housing project in Pacoima. Faith Lutheran Church alternates between Lutheran Church Services, Haven Hills and Habitat for Humanity in raising awareness Raising awareness is a common phrase advocacy groups use to justify a particular event, brochure or even the entire organization. Raising awareness refers to alerting the general public that a certain issue exists and should be approached the way the group desires. and money at their outreach events. ``People should feel blessed and realize how fortunate they are if they have a home. I hope the participants will think about how they can help someone to have the simple pleasure of having a safe shelter,'' Christiansen said. ``We need affordable housing in the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. . We need to make sure everybody has that opportunity.'' Las Posadas will be held 6-9 p.m. Dec. 19 at Faith Lutheran Church, 7500 De Soto de So·to , Hernando or Fernando 1496?-1542. Spanish explorer who landed in Florida in 1539 with 600 men and set out to search for the fabled riches of the north. Ave., Canoga Park. Traditional Mexican Christmas refreshments will be available for free and for purchase. Habitat for Humanity is seeking donations, gift certificates from do-it-yourself stores and volunteers for the housing project in Pacoima. Call (818) 897-0940. To reach Faith Lutheran Church, call (818) 348-4266. Holly Andres, (818) 713-3708 holly.andres(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): photo Photo: From left, Laurie Delgado, the Rev. Wayne Christiansen, Yesenia Duenas, Nayell Duenas, Kaitlyn Velazquez, Janet Lustig and Harlis Brend gather around a pinata to be used in the traditional Las Posadas festival at Faith Lutheran Church in Canoga Park on Dec. 19. Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer |
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