It was a crystal clear sky. Stars painted the heavens. Tomorrow will be a busy day. Government officials were in town. The heart of business is business…they said. That meant money filling the coffers of the state. More money for roads building new temples and for the pockets of the well-connected.

No one noticed the young couple. Her belly was large with the child. He had the care of the world on his shoulders. They were not well-connected. Government officials did not know their names. His hands were rough with blisters. She looked uncomfortable on a donkey. She gave her husband a sense of place. She was his home. When she told him something he believed it.

All doors were shut. No one had time or place for an unknown couple when famous folks were everywhere.

Julio and Abigail hovered under a threadbare blanket outside the Broadway Theatre. Brilliant lights lit up the Great White Way. The merry people laughed and loved as they walked the street of gold. Red and green were everywhere. Abigail wept as she listened to the Carolers. Julio did not know that she was pregnant. She was afraid to tell him. What would they do…where would they go…who would care. They had no friends…no one knew them. Their skin was dark in a place where light skin had cache.

‘Behold this day in the city of David a Saviour is born…Christ the Lord.’

‘Please come in we have a place for you to sleep in our Costume Shop,’ Wendy said. ‘I will fix some chicken noodle soup for you,’ Wendy said with a wonderful smile. ‘There is an abundance of clothes in the Shop and the cots are comfortable…tomorrow I will take you to see an OBGYN to aid in your pregnancy,’ Wendy said with a beatific smile.

‘How did you know I was pregnant,’ Abigail asked? ‘I have told no one…not even Julio,’ Abigail said.

‘An Angel told me…tomorrow is Christmas,’ Wendy said…