The manger scene seems peaceful with kings bearing gifts, shepherds bowing down, and Mary and Joseph smiling at Jesus. When we take a closer look, we find three kings who are probably exhausted from their travels and are caught in a political catch-22 with King Herod. Shepherds were considered to be unclean and even loathsome, not wanted in the inner temple area, and brought with them sheep and other unsavory aromas. After the long journey and being too late to find lodging,