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Christmas is about the birth of Christ. And the Nativity provides an opportunity for a Nativity play. No one knows who first came up with the idea to dramatize the birth of Christ, but the original script inspired countless others.
Each has its own wrinkles, but there are some common characteristics: angels with chiffon wings, wise men, and gifts from afar. The weary innkeeper will chase Mary away. His wide-eyed Joseph bales the hay in the manger. And Mary, in her weary and tender heart, would say, “I think so.” today. ”
In this living nativity scene, a newborn baby boy is wrapped in a woven blanket and sleeping in a manger. (St. Petersburg)
Babies are born under the stars in the air, angels sing, wise men kneel, and children of all ages go home and tell their parents that they want to participate in a nativity play next year. Little boys want to be Joseph. The little girl wants to be Maria. Some people want her to wear angel wings or carry gifts from distant lands. Some may offer to be grumpy Herod or troublesome innkeeper.
What can a good person do when everything falls apart at Christmas?
But as far as I know, no one has ever volunteered to be a donkey. Which is strange, since in fact there can be no greater honor than to do what the donkey did? He carried Jesus. I know, Joseph is better looking and Mary is very attractive. Wise men wear cool hats, angels wear hallelujahs. What about donkeys? He just stands to the side nibbling on the hay.
But look at him. Can’t you see the contentment in those big brown eyes? Is there a look of satisfaction on his face? He just delivered the greatest gift in history! Before Santa had a sleigh and UPS had trucks, God had donkeys. Thanks in no small part to him, the choir can sing: “To us a child is born, to us a son is given.”
I get it. We’d rather be Joseph with the bushy beard. We would rather be Mary, faithful, beautiful, and immaculate.
But someone has to be an ass. I think it’s good to be a donkey for Christmas.
The donkey in the Christmas story happily did his job and gave Jesus all the attention.
The Christmas donkey has done his work. He saved Jesus so that Jesus could be saved.
He trudged along. He didn’t gallop and his eyes didn’t dazzle. He did the same with the donkey. He steadily advanced his steps in the direction directed by his master.
And when he arrived, he stepped aside. He did not demand recognition or expect compensation. He is not even mentioned in the Bible.
He happily did his job and gave Jesus all his attention.
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Perhaps we can learn a lesson from the donkey of Christmas? The story of the Nativity, God’s Nativity, that trudged along without expectation of applause, endured the weight of the long road, and inspired all of us. There is always a place for the one who carries the One who carries.
Now, here’s the story about the donkey. May your journey be faithful and your rest fruitful. And we will do our best to follow your example.
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