Posada ...

Mary and Joseph (and the donkey/cow) joined us at dinnertime tonight on their way to Bethlehem. They were surrounded by our usual candles (keeping out the dark night beyond the window) as well as having their own red one, kindly donated by their last night's hosts. Someone must have left the light on all night, I fear, for their previous candle to have so comprehensively melted away ...

I love the way the olive figures glow in the candle-light; I've not previously noted the way the featureless faces acquire an expressive power when placed thus. 

I wish they were staying.