For the next four weeks prior to the celebration of Christmas, many Christian families observe these weeks as “Advent” (from the Latin phrase “to come to”); the spiritual coming to the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. The Advent wreath is a circular garland of evergreen branches which symbolizes God’s eternal love for all humankind. Four candles are placed on the wreath, each representing one thousand years of the total four thousand years from the time of Adam and Eve until the birth of the Savior. A fifth candle representing Jesus is sometimes placed in the center of the wreath.
The lighting of the Advent wreath is a custom that began in the 16th century in Germany among Catholics and Lutherans and is followed by many Christian faith traditions as a means of spiritual preparation for Christmas. Each Sunday of Advent a candle is lit. The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s first coming into the world and the anticipation of his second coming.
At La Posada, we initiated our annual Advent wreath custom this Sunday by gathering around the Advent wreath, lighting the first candle and singing “Come, Lord Jesus, Come and be born in our hearts.” We continue this practice each evening before dinner until Christmas Eve. Our Gospel message this week is “watch.” May we avoid getting caught up in the busyness and commercialism of the season. And, may we remember “Jesus is the reason for the season.”
At La Posada, we host individuals of varied ethnicities, customs and faiths; some are Christians, some are not. All faiths are respected. We share the custom of Advent with our clients at La Posada because it is part of life experiences in the United States and an important part of the faith heritage of the founding Sisters of Divine Providence.
Volunteers Provide Spaghetti Dinner
Linda Davis (l. to r.), Terri Erickson and La Posada Board member Susan Kerens, from New Hope Presbyterian Church in La Feria, arriving Saturday evening with a spaghetti dinner for everyone at La Posada. Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent with us!
Thank You!
Thanks to all who contributed to our Giving Tuesday campaign. Your contributions make an importance difference by supporting the costs that help us keep our doors open – like paying for shelter utilities, the cost of food to feed clients and gasoline to take clients where they need to go to advance their immigration case forward. There is so much more. Donations like yours help us help our clients in many ways.
Thank you again.
Your Attention, Please!
Our ninth annual Hands & Hearts Brunch is Saturday, February 2, 2019. Don’t wait to purchase your tickets. Rally your friends together and get your table reserved.. Tickets are available online at: https://lppshelter.org/purchase-tickets-here/ or by calling Colleen Price
at 956-399-3826 ext. 206.
Sponsorships are also available for purchase. Be among the first to get your online shout out in support of La Posada. To purchase a sponsorship go to https://lppshelter.org/sponsorship/ or by calling Colleen Price
at 956-399-3826 ext. 206.
Please set your calendar for Saturday, February 2, 2018 for a morning of fun and entertainment while also supporting a good cause.