Brother John Pike was on late patrol duty in Bethlehem when tax season arrived, during the time a great shining star appeared in the night sky. It seemed to guide his path as he kept watch for tax evaders and other rabble-rousers.
He soon came upon an unauthorized living quarters, with harps playing, and voices singing in celebration of a message of peace and love. A wee tiny child asleep in a make-shift bed, dressed only in rags yet surrounded by men dressed in fine fabrics and trimmings and valuables such as frankincense, gold, and myrrh alarmed Brother John Pike. "What child is this?" he wondered aloud. An illegal immigrant? An unauthorized encampment and undocumented taxable income? Then there was that very odd star, would it bring him harm?
Brother John Pike realized he was sorely outnumbered by the angelic-looking figures making music and song, the message of peace and love was fraying his nerves and the unfamiliar travelers were very strong looking men. His very life in jeopardy amongst such strangers, he knew only one course of action was possible...
[Abbie Heppe photo via Buzzfeed]