She made a creche outside the Inn. The natives thought it was wonderful, and Sister Honey was gratified by their numbers. 'Why have the devils with wings come to mock at the poor baby?' asked the children, pointing to the angels. 'The baby is the Number One Lord Jesus Christ,' Ayah told them. 'But he hasn't any clothes on! Aren't they going to give Him anything? Not a little red robe? Not a bit of melted butter?'
This quote poignantly captures the innocence and fresh perspective of children confronting the traditional nativity scene. The juxtaposition of sacred figures with the children's simple, yet profound, questions evokes a sense of humility and sincerity that often gets lost in religious observance. The children's labeling of angels as "devils with wings" suggests a naive interpretation, highlighting how divine imagery can be misunderstood through fresh eyes. Furthermore, their concern for the baby's lack of clothes and needs touches on themes of vulnerability and compassion — the baby Jesus, a symbol of purity and divinity, is seen through the child's lens as someone in need of care and nurturing rather than an untouchable holy icon. This invites the reader to reassess the Nativity story, stripping it of dogma and appreciating it instead as a deeply human moment filled with love, warmth, and the simplicity of caring for the helpless. Sister Honey's gratification at the natives' numbers introduces a dimension of cultural interaction, hinting at the spread of tradition beyond its original context. The quote encourages reflection on how religious stories and symbols are interpreted differently depending on perspective, culture, and experience. It also subtly challenges the reader to find empathy and kindness in the small, overlooked details amid revered traditions.