. . . And Imagine Some More

Mary's face is pinched in pain, and she is trying to not to cry out.  Joseph knocks on the inn door. 
"No!  We have no room!"  The inn door shuts. 
Then Joseph knocks again.  This time the door opens with the innkeeper's wife behind him.  The innkeeper says, "There is a stable around the corner.  It's dry and you can use that." 
"Thank you," said Joseph. 
"Thank you," whispered Mary. (Luke 2:5-6)

A while later, the sweet and welcome cry of a newborn was heard.  Then silence fell as Baby snuggled in to feed.  Mary looked up from Jesus' face and asked Joseph, "Do you hear that?"
Joseph nodded and went to the stable door and went outside.  Up in the black night sky was an amazingly bright star, and Joseph could hear the most stirring harmony of angels singing, "Glory to God in the Highest." 
"Mary!" Joseph called.  "There are angels singing, "Glory to God in the Highest!"  I couldn't make out all the words because the angels are way out over the pastures full of sheep, but those words were clear."  As Joseph turned back into the stable, Mary smiled at him, and he at her.  Yes, it was as the angels had told them.  This Baby was the Special Son of God.

When Mary finished feeding Jesus, she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths.  Joseph gently took Him and lay Him in the manger, full of soft straw.  Before Mary could lay down to rest, she and Joseph heard voices outside.  The stable door swung open, and several shepherds, all out of breath, crowded in.  "We have come to see the Savior!  The angels told us where to come!"  

Joseph asked, "What were the angels were singing?"

In unison the shepherds said, "Glory to God in the highest!"  And then the a few voices said, "And on earth peace, goodwill toward men."   And another set of voices said, "And on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests".  Before a loud squabble could break out, a quiet, authoritative voice said, "Shh!  We don't want to wake the Baby!"  The old shepherd continued,  "The angels were singing to tell us that when we live in peace and good will towards others, His favor of peace and good will be on earth.  That is the life that is giving God glory.  That is what this Baby will do."  A lamb bleated and heads nodded as they stared at the Baby Jesus in awe.  After a short while, the shepherds quietly returned back to their flocks.

Mary rested her hand on her heart, and smiled up at Joseph.  He smiled back at her.  And the Baby Jesus slept on. (Luke 2:8-20)

Far, far away in an eastern country, there was a meeting among some wise men.  One looked out of the window and saw the most brilliant star.  "Look!" and he pointed to the window.  "Is that The Star?"  The others crowded to the window and were silent in awe.  Then, "What time is it?"  Another asked, "Where is it?  We must discover exactly where that Star is shining."  And yet another said, "We have to gather a caravan and supplies, and make our way there.  It appears it will be a long journey, but we must make it, no matter how long it takes."  (Matthew 2:1-2)

So they did.