What happens when Puerto Rican Matutino meets the wintery charm of a small town in New Jersey? A unique blend of cultures, community spirit, and the timeless message of God With Us comes alive.
As the remnants of Christmas decorations are coming down around Madison, and I, too, finally find the time to put away my decorations, I could not help but think of the memorable Advent season we had. I was not boxing up the magic of Christmas, because what was shared at the United Methodist Church in Madison was more than just Advent candles and seasonal décor. New Christmas experiences were born. Memories were made. Laughter was shared. And the presence of God was revealed through community, through a sermon series, caroling, a Christmas pageant, and an improv pageant.
Before the start of the Advent season, UMC in Madison planned to revive the old tradition of Christmas caroling, as some of our legacy members reminisced about the “good old days” of caroling. The senior pastor, Rev. Mark Schol, and the preaching staff agreed on God with Us for this Advent’s sermon series, a play on the name Emmanuel and a reminder of the grace God continues to extend daily. By choosing Emmanuel as a central theme, the church sought to embody the theological promise of God’s radical welcome to all.
The staff also wanted to embody its calling as a place for all people by inviting international students to help plan the caroling experience. Yaheli Vargas, a doctoral student at Drew Theological School, shared his experience caroling in Puerto Rico with his sisters growing up and the joy it brought to everyone. Marcel Okito, a Master of Divinity student, brought his signature flair of drumming and African music to the table. Through these multicultural voices, the church not only embraced different cultural narratives but also affirmed its mission of inclusivity, reflecting Emmanuel’s message of unity and togetherness.
The beauty of the UMC in Madison’s diversity came out to sing on the chilly Saturday evening of December 6. Under the breath-fogged night sky, and with porch lights casting a warm glow on the pathways, the community gathered to revive the old tradition of Christmas caroling. The caroling tradition was intentionally and harmoniously blended with the Puerto Rican Matutino tradition. Matutino is a rich cultural practice from Puerto Rico that combines music, community spirit, and surprise home visits, embodying hospitality and a deep religious significance that is still cherished on the island.
Matutino is not just caroling; it is about community and sharing. Traditionally, it begins late at night, around 11 pm, and lasts until sunrise. Songs are sung at the door to surprise families and request entry. The hosts will then respond with food and drink before the singers move on to the next home. Matutino is communal, generous, and joy-filled.
However, we modified our first-ever Matutino. Five families from the church’s community were visited by a 28-member caravan that set out from the church at 4 pm. Some families welcomed us on their lawns; two invited us inside, offering hot chocolate and warm cider. Snacks were shared with the intergenerational community, which sang and shared the joy of Advent with each family.
What we did not expect was how the neighborhood would respond. Lights in homes came on. Neighbours gathered on their porches and front lawns, curious about the sound of joy spilling into the street.
The caravan was filled with joy as it drove to the five homes, each car creating its own memories as we moved from one house to the next. The church caravan was intergenerational, with the youngest member just 4 years old and the oldest around 84. The caravan represented five countries, each of which shared in the experience and reminded each family we visited–and some of their neighbors–that, indeed, God is with us, during this Advent season and beyond.
God with Us continued through messages preached during Advent, culminating in Las Posadas, our Christmas pageant. We honored the Mexican reenactment of Mary and Joseph going door-to-door in search of shelter. In a world where migrants and refugees continue to struggle for welcome, the resonance of this ancient story felt unavoidable. There was a recognition from both the congregation and our children that Jesus, even before his birth, was not welcomed or even offered a room to stay. The pageant became more than a retelling; it became a call to practice hospitality and radical welcome today.
We held two Christmas Eve worship services, both centered on Holy Communion. The latter service was traditional and contemplative, and it welcomed in Christmas for those who braved the cold night. The earlier 4 pm service carried forward the warmth first ignited on the night of Matutino. It was an intergenerational, multicultural, improvisational pageant. Members were assigned roles as they entered the sanctuary, and the Christmas story was told through scripture. Participants gathered organically at the front of the chancel area. It was joy made visible, embodying, once again, the message of God with Us.
And, as we return to life after Christmas, into the ongoing burden of work, uncertainty, and weariness, when faith can feel fragile, and we need reminding of our shared unity with Christ and the grace freely given, UMC in Madison steps forward, anchored in this truth: God is with us. As we look forward to Ash Wednesday, we do so grateful that the gift of Jesus’ birth makes the road to Good Friday and resurrection possible.