No Room No Room A La Posada Re-enactment

Have you ever participated in a “La Posada”? No? Well, it is an unforgettable cross-cultural experience of note. Wesley UMC was invited once again, to participate in a La Posada event by Pastor Gerardo Vazquez and his church, San Jose First UMC down the road from us, this past Dec. 18. You truly step into the past where folks from Wesley and First Church don costumes and re-enact the nativity scene of Mary and Joseph’s journey into Bethlehem where they encountered the “no room, no room, in the house” experience. This procession has its historical roots in Mexico and is a religious and cultural tradition of Pastor Gerardo’s church community. And we from Wesley, were given a red-carpet treatment in spending the evening with our neighbors down the way who welcomed us and made us an integral part of their celebration. What an opportunity.

With individuals from Pastor Geraldo’s church and from Wesley, we donned costumes, of Kings, Shepherds, animals and of course Joseph and Mary. We trekked the .8 mile from Wesley to First Church singing Christmas songs in Spanish and English to lighten the mood of our walk. But the significance is so present when we arrive at SJ First UMC and bang on the door. In this call-and-response re-enactment, Mary and Joseph are denied entrance three times and each time, the plea grows with intensity. The last reveals that Mary is “going to be the Mother of the Divine Word.” Mary is finally recognized as the Queen of Heaven and in that revelation, the doors are opened wide, and we are allowed entrance to shelter and food. We were given both at SJ First UMC and what a welcome we received.

The service was significant and a bilingual experience in the telling of the rest of the Nativity story, followed by a very moving message from Pastor Gerardo. For his congregants, this is a very anxious time with ICE and threats to them. His message is not one of fear, but one of embracing hope and the overarching understanding that believing in God is with each of us and will provide the peace we all seek. At his church there will be no fear when you embrace God and Jesus as your savior. It was a moving message during these troubling times.

And then what did he and his church do? They fed us. Oh my! We were treated to Pastor Geraldo’s specialty, a choice of pork or chicken pozole (which must’ve taken a couple of days to prepare). Yum! And Marta, a church member, served-up her delicious home-made tamales. That wonderful smell of port and masa filled the room. There were of course, all the sides to go along: dulces (Mexican sweets), chips and drinks. We were warmed through and through by this repast.

Our Wesley church, and those beyond who attended this year, need this kind of spark in our community. It was pure joy to participate in events like this that make cross-cultural learning and relationship -building with our neighbors as simple as just coming together. And it can’t get much easier.  For me personally, I just had to show up to this gracious invitation from SJ First UMC. It was indeed special and unique…a spiritually uplifting experience. We felt God’s presence.

Sooooo, If you haven’t ever attended this event, you should make a note for 2026, because this is one experience you won’t want to miss.

The complement of actors was composed of members primarily from First Church UMC, and  joined by Wesley and members of  the El Camino District City Circuit.

After processing from Wesley to SJ First UMC, Mary and Joseph are denied entrance.

Thankfully, the doors opened and all were welcomed.

During the service, Pastor Geraldo Vazquez (left) gave the message and Rev. John Oda gave a few words of hope and thanksgiving.

Pastor Geraldo’s Pozole  and Marta's home-made tamale.

Attending from Wesley were from left: Misao Kusuda, Rev. John, Barbara Hiura, Hector Acuna (playing a king), Bev Acuna, Mark Teage, Marcela Rensi, and Yumi Haraguchi.