The astrologers claim to have pinpointed the date and time of the child’s birth and have already begun the long journey to pay homage. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the three men are bringing the infant gifts of gold, frankincense, and some unknown perfumed substance. The name of the child is not yet known. King Herod the Great, ruler of Palestine, could not be reached for comment, but palace officials scoffed at the possibility that the child could be a king and vowed to oppose anyone who might attempt to usurp Herod’s authority.
According to a shepherd who was working the midnight to 8 shift in a pasture just outside Bethlehem, an angel appeared, bearing news of the child’s birth.
But a palace spokesman has also downplayed the validity of this report, saying that if a divine messenger had news of the Messiah’s birth, he would certainly bring it to the king, not to a handful of blue-collar workers in the Judean countryside.
Nonetheless, Herod has dispatched a regiment of soldiers to Bethlehem "to keep the peace in case of any rioting." According to the shepherd, the child was born to a Nazarean couple, Mary and Joseph, who are on a business trip to Bethlehem to pay the census tax ordered by Caesar Augustus, emperor of Rome.
The woman is believed to have given birth in a barn or stable. It’s unclear whether the couple couldn’t afford a motel room or simply could not find a vacancy.
The shepherd claims to have viewed the child lying in some sort of trough used to feed the animals. He also said the couple appears to be exhausted, but in good spirits. Scattered sightings of angels continue to be reported by shepherds throughout Judea. All reports agree that the angels have been singing, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Daniel H. Trafford is the executive editor of The Call. From our family at The Call to yours, we would like to extend to you the most joyous feliciatations of the Yuletide and a happy and prosperous New Year.