The Star of Bethlehem Shines on Mexico

Children and their parents reenact the story of Mary and Joseph's search for an inn

She rode into town on a donkey. Mary, with Joseph by her side. Following her were 50 or so children and parents, reenacting the Biblical story of Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay.

It is a Mexican tradition.  From December 16 through Christmas Eve, the village children meet at the church, then they go door to door along a pre-determined route, knocking and being turned away. When finally they reach the right location, there is singing, they are invited in and they find a party, or the simple handing out of holiday bags of candies and fruits.

The Star of Bethlehem shines over the Pasada

As I watched the Posada one evening, I noticed in the back of the group, a small boy. Sitting atop his father's shoulders, he looked across the sea of children, and onto the activity taking place at the door. He was dressed in a funny outfit, all puffy of a gold fabric that glittered and shined. His face showed from the center of what looked like a gold banana with appendages.

Then, it hit me. He wasn't in a banana suit. His face looked out from a big, stuffed gold star costume that was shining down on the activity below.

He was the Star of Bethlehem.