Editor,

In a small town called Bethlehem some 2,000 or so years ago the following scene took place. The conversation is fictional but if you know how difficult it is dealing with the DMV, this is probably a similar situation.

A table set up under a tent faces the street. An officious looking man in Roman garb sits behind the table, a scroll is open on the table, and a slave stands behind fanning the official.

A small line waits patiently for the official to beckon them forward. “Next” the man bellows.

An elderly man steps forth, his slightly disheveled clothing indicates that he hasn’t had time to rest after a long journey.

“Name,” the official barks.

“Joseph,” Joseph replies.

“And are you alone?”

“No, my wife Mary is with me.”

“So that will be two of you, man and wife.” The officer starts to write an entry on the scroll.

“My wife is with child,” Joseph adds.

“You have a baby? Boy or girl?”

“The child isn’t born yet,” Joseph says, “but we hope it’s a boy.”

“Now how am I supposed to count a child with only a hope?” He grumbles, “There’s no column for a maybe.”

“An angel foretold his birth. Can’t you just put it down as a boy? I would really like to catch the 4 o’clock caravan.”

“And I suppose Caesar is expected at his bris. What do you take me for? A fool? Go away and come back when you have some solid information!”

So, Joseph and Mary went to the local Best Israel Inn and the rest of the story is history.

Fred Wilferth

Coupeville