Here we are in the heart of the Advent season. Most churches are preparing for Christmas pageants of various kinds. Usually children are involved, and therefore things don't always go according to script. In one pageant I heard about, the innkeeper of Bethlehem was played by a boy named Ralph. He had very much wanted to play the part of Joseph, but that part was given to someone else. Ralph decided to take some revenge. On the day of the play, the fellowship hall was filled to capacity. Mary and Joseph knocked on the door of the inn. Ralph opened the door and they asked if he had a room. With a big smile he said, "Come on in. We've got plenty of room."

The audience, especially Ralph's mother and the director, gasped. Joseph and Mary were stunned. But the young man playing Joseph was equal…