Today, on Christmas eve, we will pause a little to think about that first Christmas eve.  There were no Christmas trees or light displays, just people gathering to be taxed and counted.  For Mary and Joseph, there was no on-line booking, nor even a room when they did finally get to Bethlehem the next day.  For Mary especially it was a very hard journey, but she had no choice but to go.  So, as we look at the lights and the decorated trees today from the comfort of our room or car, let's remember that first Christmas eve and how little people had to celebrate then, before the Savior, the Redeemer of mankind, was born the next day.