The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hartley hosted its first Mexican Christmas Posadas with Pastor Pedro Lopez and Pastor Chris Nitzel on Friday, Dec 22.

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The word "posadas" means "inn" or "shelter" in Spanish, and the Posadas is a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration. At St. Paul's, it included a Christmas service spoken in both Spanish and English by the pastors. The 25 attendees actively participated in the story of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, where the couple found no place to stay for Mary to give birth to Jesus. A variety of traditional Christmas carols was sung by everyone in both Spanish and English, with Pastor Pedro playing the guitar.

Following the celebration, guests enjoyed American and Mexican food, several fun games for all ages, and sang the "Pinata Song" together while trying to break open the candy-filled Christmas tree piñata.

It was fun learning different traditions and cultures for all who attended. St. Paul's is looking forward to next year's Posadas – a new church and community tradition.