During Advent this year, Figures from the Nativity story will be travelling round the area, seeking a temporary home on their way to the Christmas Crib.

The idea comes from Mexico, where children dress up as Mary and Joseph and tour the neighbourhood, asking if people have room for them. The Church Army has developed the idea in this country, into a process called Posada, which is Spanish for Inn, suggesting that that it creates an ideal opportunity for us to pause and think about what it is we are preparing for in the Christmas rush.

Members of all the churches in our Covenant partnership, and the independent congregations who worship in our area, will be invited to join in, and we hope that groups and individuals will invite Mary and Joseph to join them for a short time during December.

You could act as host within your family, or with a group of friends and neighbours, or perhaps at your work place. There will be at least two sets of figures travelling, setting off from the Baptist Church at our Covenant Service on Advent Sunday evening, calling in at schools and neighbourhood groups as well as homes, and ending up in church on Christmas Eve, ready for the Baby to complete the scene. It would be great if each church had a set involved.

If you would like to take part, or can suggest groups which could be invited to take part, please contact Ann Lewin (8055 0859) who is going to act as travel agent for the figures. Material for use if you wish as you pause for thought will be supplied.