There
may have been no room at the inn 2000 years ago, but Mary &
Joseph were guaranteed a warm welcome today when the crew of Fulwell
Community Fire Station offered to take them in for the night.
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| WM Steve Bewick receives the Holy Family from Rev. Dick Bradshaw (c) Paul Child/Monkwearmouth Parish |
The
nativity figures from St. Andrew's Church Roker, plus their trusty
donkey, have been travelling around Monkwearmouth Parish since the
start of December as they make their way to the Crib Service at 4pm
on Christmas Eve. Local residents, coffee shops, businesses and
schools have offered them a bed, or at least a windowsill, for the
night as the community joins together in a 'Posada,' originally a
Mexican tradition that allows people to become part of the nativity
story in the run up to Christmas.
When
this came to the attention of Watch Manager Steve Bewick, it seemed
natural for the Fire Station to be involved.
“We
are always involved in the community, but especially at Christmas,”
he said. “With the increased risks from candles, tree lights and
paper decorations at this time of year it seemed right to not only be
able to house this wandering family, but to remind people to stay
fire safe.”
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| The Mary and Joseph figures (c) Paul Child/Monkwearmouth Parish |
Rev'd
Dick Bradshaw said “It's wonderful for the whole of the community
to be sharing in the journey of Mary & Joseph as we approach
Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Jesus. There have been
some very moving comments in the Posada diary from those who have
hosted the couple so far.”
The
fire crew's next task will be to safely deliver Mary & Joseph to
Fulwell Junior school in time for their carol service tomorrow (Wednesday 11th December),
with future stopping points including Lloyds Bank, Seaburn Dene
Primary School & The Rowan Tree coffee shop.
For
more information about the Posada, or the Christmas services in
Monkwearmouth Parish, visit www.monkwearmouthcofe.com
