Written by Mary Ann Whittier/Johansen, from the Village Church.
Virgin Mary riding a donkey, Joseph knocking on doors and being refused a room: This was our view on December 24, 1979. Bob and I and our three teenage daughters stood on the balcony of our parador and watched the Christmas story unfold in the community square of Ubeda, Spain. At one end the classical facade of Sacra Capilla del Salvador was lit to show statues of saints looking down on the tender scene. Bob and I brought our family to Spain so our eldest daughter would stay in Europe during her studies abroad in France. Using an unopened umbrella covered with a green skirt, our three daughters had fashioned a Christmas tree decorated with hair ornaments and cutouts from catalogs. Epiphany, not Nativity, marks gift giving in Spain, so stores were busy. We bought fine leather boots. Natividad is joyous. The church is packed with worshipers. The statues are polished and dressed in fresh clothing. Baby Jesus wears gold sandals and silk swaddling. All are invited to kiss this statue. I kiss Him and so does one daughter. The other three good Presbyterians defer. Young choirboys in traditional red and white robes walk the aisles singing and playing tambourines. We all rejoice. (This community in Andalusia was designated a World Heritage site in 2003).
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