Many Hispanic Christians are getting ready for a beautiful tradition, Las Posadas. From December 16 to 24, two people acting as Joseph and Mary go from house to house looking for a place to stay. Finally, on December 24, one household welcomes them, and Christmas begins.

On first reading, these words from 2 Peter sound pretty scary — a thief, loud noise, fire, everything dissolving. If you like the world as it is, if your life is comfortable, you don’t want it to change. The day of the Lord’s coming sounds like a scary thing.

The people who first received this letter, however, were not comfortable. Their lives were difficult, like the lives of Mary and Joseph. Many were poor. Some faced persecution. They wanted a new world — where injustice would be disclosed and righteousness would be welcomed, like Mary and Joseph finally finding a place to stay.

During this holy season, we are invited not to fear the coming of Christ, but to welcome him. Righteousness wants a home. May it stay with us.

By Grace Burton-Edwards from D365