It was dark by the time the weary travelers arrived in the stable.

Livestock milled about the place. It probably smelled awful. I wonder if the newcomers even had anything for supper. If they did, would they want to eat it in there?

No nice bed awaited them; they had to lie down on the prickly straw and try to sleep before the rest of the world woke up. But even that didn’t happen. It was time, and babies don’t wait around for a convenient moment.

Stench, darkness, hunger, discomfort, lack of sleep, and a new person to care for in primitive circumstances. Maybe Joseph had to cut the cord, then Mary cleaned and wrapped the baby the best she could without a basin of water. What an entry into the world!

Meanwhile, out in the fields, something bright caught the attention of shepherds. They had never seen such a “star.” The omen was rather frightening until the music started. And such music!

Angels, a multitude of them, sang praises to God in heaven who gave us the Savior of the world. They knew that the future Jesus promised far outshone His current miserable state. Like the angels, we too can sing God’s praise — any time, anywhere.