2 Days Before Christmas

2 days before Christmas and what's going on?

Bethlehem is bustling with travelers, every one of them unhappy at being there. "It's all about taxes, you know," says one to another.

The motel owners are gleeful, making a killing.

The motel maids are dead on their feet - haven't had a day off in ....?

The shepherds have more important things to worry about; they're watching the sheep (and trying to avoid the whole mess).

Mary feels her body getting ready to give birth, far from home and surrounded by strangers...and animals? It's all she can do to keep from crying.

Joseph is looking at his espoused wife, worried for her, irritated at the insensitive innkeeper (but what, really, could the man do?) and angry at himself for not having made reservations. At least the stable is relatively warm and dry.

Herod is in his palace, dining and drinking with friends, making plans for a new villa and telling jokes. He's confident, full of wealth and power, and plans to be for a long time.

Heaven is a-buzz with excitement....