Here, from a Muslim source, is a tale about the birth of Jesus that recognises how the world’s response to the divine message changes from one age to another.

When Jesus was born, the devils came to Satan and said, “The idols today have all bowed their heads.” Satan said, “Something has happened in your world.”

Satan then flew all over the world but found nothing. At last he found the infant Jesus, surrounded by the angels.

He returned to the devils and said, “A prophet was born yesterday. No female ever conceived or gave birth without my being present except this one. Therefore, despair of idol worship after this night. Henceforth seduce men by exploiting their hastiness and superficiality.”