The Christmas Story is a favorite theme among the mola-makers of Panama's San Blas Archipelago. I have just added a new manger scene to the image gallery of the Molas of the Kuna People page in the Schools of Sacred Art section different in style from the other reverse applique stitched panels in my collection. Blue and black are the dominant background colors rather than red. This unknown artist gives us a whimsical take on the Nativity scene. The Three Wisemen--or are they shepherds?--turn their backs to us as they worship the Babe in the manger, where a light bulb seems to dangle from a stable roof without walls. Instead of the expected ox and ass, a preening cat parades before us, wearing a jaunty bowtie. (John Kohan)