This was not at all the cross to them that it would seem to you today.
It was a very common thing indeed for people to stay in the stables
when the inn was full. And then, too, you must remember that they were
descended from a long line of shepherds. They naturally loved the
animals and did not feel at all badly to sleep where they had been, or
even in very close company with them.
We can imagine that it was with very thankful hearts they lay down to
rest that night.
There was a company of men, asleep in the pasture lands at some little
distance from Bethlehem, on the slope of the hill. They were
shepherds. They had cared for their sheep and after that all but one
of them had lain down to sleep. It was their custom for all of the
number to watch while the others slept. They were wrapped in their
great, warm shepherd's cloaks, for the air was chilly at that season.
All at once a strange thing happened. It began to grow very light, and
the one who was watching could not understand. He spoke to the others
and they sprang to their feet.
Brighter and brighter shone the light until it was like the day, and
you can imagine that the shepherds were startled. They could not
speak, so great was their astonishment; but as they drew closer
together they heard a voice coming out of the light.
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