One of the great things about being a bishop is the opportunities I have to worship with so many wonderfully diverse people in so many different ways. In just the past week I have been with the folks from three of our Spanish congregations as they came together for Las Posadas celebrations. For us gringos who are not familiar with this festive tradition, a Posada means simply "the inn," here referencing the inn in Bethlehem where the Holy Family tried to stay.

In Mexico and some Central and South American traditions, the days leading up to Christmas are times for congregations to gather, sometimes in homes, now more often in the church, to reenact the Holy Family's journey to Bethlehem. At each "inn" (now usually a home near the church) the peregrinos (wanderers) gather in candlelight procession to carry figures of Joseph and Mary. They knock at the door, singing, in what is, under the circumstances, a remarkably joyous song, asking to be admitted. But to no avail. "We don't care who you are/there is no place for you here" will be the answer at each door. After the drama has been enacted, everyone gathers for a piñata and comida deliciosa (delicious food) especially the traditional Christmas favorite, tamales.

Although this is a joyous occasion, it is always a very poignant one for me, since many I see in the procession may not have a home to call their own. For anyone who is undocumented facing sudden arrest and deportation, "no room at the inn" is a harsh possibility. And a harsh reality for many who last Christmas thought their American Dream had come true.

I suspect that this Christmas, even those of us who are at ease in America, are experiencing the uncertainly, anxiety, and even desperation that some of our Hispanic brothers and sisters have faced for years. One high-placed corporate executive bitterly remarked to me this week, "Thanks to the economy, Christmas this year for me might as well be cancelled." And yet here in our churches and so many others, those who may possess the least are celebrating and finding comfort in the tradition of La Posada, a Christmas Pageant. Next time I will invite that high-placed executive to join me to participate in this joyous celebration.

Now more than ever the world needs the message of Christmas-that the "people who dwell in darkness have seen a great light," and that as gloomy and bleak as the world might seem, the angels still proclaim "a great joy to all people."

How do we share our joy with those who need it, those who are still looking for a spiritual home? Not just by decorating our buildings, singing carols, and baking cookies, although there is much to be said for happy and grateful hearts in the face of uncertainty, but also by simply being with those who are in the greatest need. Jesus, Immanuel, means GOD WITH US. And that can be our most abiding gift to others, this season and always-to be fully and compassionately with them in our most sacred ministry-the ministry of presence.

A Final Thought

Everyone wants their church to grow, but usually the changes needed for that to happen are frightening and highly upsetting. The result is that parishioners are torn-we want to grow, but don't change a thing! A new book by the Alban Institute sums it up well, via Episcopal Café.

+Kirk

If you've ever remodeled a house while attempting to live in it, you have a sense of the chaos and complexity of congregational renewal. It will take far longer, cost you more, and prove messier than you ever imagined at the start. People who have worked with both church starts and church renewal will tell you that starting a church is easy compared to renewing one. The difficulty lies in the work itself. Pogo's line holds true here: "We have met the enemy and he is us."

The church seeking renewal must look beyond simply improving its programs and its building, though both may ultimately be changed. Pastors and laity leading renewal in their declining congregations are asking people to make fundamental shifts in their perspectives, their attitudes, and their behaviors. The work demands a great deal from a people and a pastor.

Continued at: http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=6850