Joseph Mohr wrote "Silent Night" in 1818. Years before that he was a young student who wished to attend seminary. However, because he was of "illegitimate birth" he required a special dispensation from the pope in order to attend. Because he was granted one, we today are blessed annually with the song Silent Night. 

When we reflect on the conception and birth of Jesus, we are given a reminder of how God worked outside of the rules in order to love mankind. Jesus too often put loving and serving others before following traditional rules. 

When Jesus followers drawn lines between who is "legitimate" and who is not, all we are left with is less.