Art by Norma Jean Zahner
Rudolph and Santa’s Reindeer often get the most animal attention at holiday celebrations. But plenty of other God’s creatures deserve recognition at Christmastime. Among them:
Joseph’s Donkey: Though the donkey is unnamed and scarcely mentioned in the Bible, storytellers have dubbed him Nestor. Before Christ’s birth, the donkey helped Joseph carry his carpenter tools and lumber. Gospel narratives say he carried Mary to Bethlehem for Jesus’ birthing; he took the Holy Family to Egypt to escape Herod; and he moved the family to Jerusalem when Jesus was 12. As a transport for the holy family’s travels, he symbolizes strength, loyalty, and trust.
Brave Puppy: A young pup watched a flock of sheep the night Jesus was born. Though little, he was mighty. Recognizing his heroism for chasing away a wolf, he was given long, curly hair just like the sheep’s. He was dubbed the first of a new breed, the Sheepdog, symbolizing protection and vigilance.
Cat: When Jesus was born, a cat purred, comforting the new babe. Mary marked its head with an “M” as a sign of gratitude. Since then, tabby cats bear an “M” on their foreheads.
The Talking Animals: Legend proclaims Jesus was born at the stroke of midnight. Inside the stable the animals watched Jesus’s miracle birth. For a new moments God granted all the animals a voice so they could speak of the glorious event. Only Mary, Joseph, and the baby heard them talk. In Scandinavia, the talking animal legend continues. Children sneak into barns at midnight to hear the animals speak. Adults scoff, but children say they hear them still.
Ox: With his deep, sweet breath, the ox kept the manger warm.
Birds: Doves and other birds are said to have sung lullabies to the newborn Christ. Some birds shed feathers to provide a soft bedding in the manger.
Fireflies: Shepherds were guided to the manger by the fireflies. The Christ child waved his hands at the tiny lights and made them shine like stars.
Theologians say these animal legends represent purity and innocence, an expression of peace and Christ’s divine presence.
Gratitude to all the animals who welcomed the holy child. And a message to the outsider Rudolph: If any being, whether real, legendary, or fabled, offers light to this challenged world these days, in the spirit of giving and love, well-done honorary Creature of Christmas!
Favorites Count: 0