At one time there were a lot of Christians in Turkey. In fact, the apostle Paul had planted some of the earliest churches like Ephesus and Antioch in that country which is today 99% Muslim. So where did the Christians go? Simply stated, I guess they were bullied out. In fact, the Christians and followers of other religions in Turkey are in hiding for fear of their lives. How ironic that Saint Nick would be beheaded in his own country today.

Maybe this was how Mary and Joseph felt looking down at their new born son, the promised Messiah, --- wrapped up in swaddling cloths in a manger. If there ever was a need for encouragement it was that night.