Semana Santa

STOP!
I know what you may be "thinking."
But, remember its me Jenny, and you probably ( or did at least before seeing this picture... ) admitted to being a good friend or family member of mine.

So, knowing that, you are probably trusting that I must be standing next to people that ( no, no, no... are NOT part of ANY type of clan or racial sect.) But rather, they are people that are in our lives here in Spain. (Okay..... mabey my arm around one of them, and our smiles indicate that we have a relationship with the people under the robes, and perhaps that we are even friends.)
If your thinking that, your right!!! We are standing next to two precious friends of ours, Luis ( 15 years old) and his brother Andres (11 years old)

For those of you who have been to, or live here in Spain during this time of year, you know what this week means, and therefore, the reason our friends are dressed this way.
For those of you who have never been to Spain, well ......I am sure you are still "thinking!"
Let me explain....

Since I do not profess to be a theologian or a historical scholar, my very short version for the meaning behind this picture is a basic explaination of Semana Santa. During the "Holy Week", there are hundreds of processions. The processions will have hundreds of robed men, women, and children ( many barefooted) that will march for up to 12 hours in penitence for their ( or one of their relatives) past sins.
These processions include gold and silver statues of the Virgin, Jesus, a large band, hundreds of Nazarens ( What Luis and Andres are dressed as) and the many hooded men (who are under each of the enormous statues), carrying them through the streets.
There are thousands of spectators that will stand amongst the huge crowds of people to see the processions, many will do this multiple times and in many locations througout the week.

This deeply rooted tradition is quite something to see.

I can't help but feel a deep sense of sadness for the people who put so much value, worth, and hope into the figures that are marched before them.
My prayer for the thousands of precious people of this beautiful country, who are living in bondage to these practices, is hope that they would come to know the freedom in our only true Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Exodus 20:3
"You shall have no other gods before me."

"The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him." A. W. Tozer

Love,
Jenny