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Imagine an Advent initiative which is relatively simple to implement, which can be tailored to each context and which takes Mary and Joseph and their unborn child out of church and into people’s homes, into the public space...
Churches all over the country are using the Mexican tradition of Posada as gentle, but effective, outreach each December. It can be used to enhance the worship life of a church in Advent, as well as draw people together, as well engage those outside the church community altogether.
Parish churches, and other Christian communities, often use knitted figures in a basket that travel around the wider church congregation and community. In the town of Wymondham in South Norfolk, we have used large two dimensional figures of Mary and Joseph to make an impact in public spaces – asking schools, care homes, shops, pubs and cafes to host the biblical figures for a day. For the first time last year, they went to a Funeral Directors and a warehouse, as well as meeting Santa Claus in a garden centre!
Some of this is obviously great fun and people always enjoy being involved. But some of it is also very profound as hosts, and others, think about the original Mary and Joseph and what they went through. The figures can also be used pastorally and many an elderly or bereaved person has been comforted, encouraged, and affected spiritually by having Mary and Joseph in their home overnight. The knitted, plastic or cardboard figures take on a sacramental quality as they represent the peace, love and power of our incarnational God.
The latest Grove booklet in the Evangelism (Ev 114 at www.grovebooks.co.uk) ) series gives resources, practical advice and biblical reflection as well as resources for worship and prayer. The websitewww.jacquisresources.co.uk hosts my own material as well as the best of the photos of the 5 year journey in Wymondham. As in all initiatives, when the project is offered to God, and committed in prayer, anything can happen...
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