Roadside Creche

Traditionally, Gaspar, Melchoir and Balthasar show up with their exotic gifts, though the Bible does not name them and some scholars believe the Chinese sage Liu Shang might have attended with a gift of silk rather than myrrh. Or even better - fireworks. The Christ child's missing fingers suggest he already has some experience with cherry bombs or Red Devil Ground Blasters. In this crèche, though, the magi have yet to arrive. There are no camels, just a plaster zebra peering over Mary's shoulder. Joseph must have stepped out for milk or cigarettes. The weight of adoration has fallen onto the shoulders of a single, scowling shepherd with binoculars slung around his neck. He is still keeping watch over his flock despite that mischievous star that lured him from his tranquil hillside and utterly bewildered dog.