Jesus fussed occasionally as we journeyed to Jerusalem. Another road loomed before us as we headed to the Temple to dedicate Jesus to God, and to provide an opportunity for me to observe the prescribed purification rites.

Jesus finally fell into a relaxed sleep, and the steady walking pace gave me time to think. I remember the coming and going of people the night of his birth ... unusual, unexpected people. It was a surprise to see the shepherds, who were actually outcasts in our society. But, they were excited and told about hearing the message of an angel choir. Strange, those poor shepherds came to worship, while the religious leaders that had been looking for Messiah for so long were strangely absent. There was Light that night, too. A brilliant star rested above the stable where we wer…