Day Seven 12 Christmas Donkeys
Book review: After the visit of the Wise Men, there is, at last, room in the inn for Mary, Joseph, and
Baby. The animals, alone in the stable and missing Baby, begin to talk and share their stories. Gentle Donkey, who was rescued from a cruel master by Mary, tells how he repaid her kindness,
carrying her safely to Bethlehem and protecting Baby from the cold. Lamb’s story is next, told with the simplicity and enthusiasm of the very young. Camel has waited impatiently for his turn, frequently
interrupting the others. He brags about Melchior, his wealthy and wise master, and boasts about his own importance on the long and arduous journey following the star. Then Cat begins her story. She, too, belongs to Melchior, travelling in the folds of his robe. However, her account of the journey differs greatly from Camel’s. Finally, it is Dog’s turn. Dog, having escaped from an abusive mistress, has taken refuge in a dark corner of the stable. Only Baby knows he is there. Warned in a dream of impending danger, Mary, Joseph, and Baby, accompanied by Donkey and Cat, flee to Egypt. Timid little Dog, heedless of his own safety, distracts the pursuing soldiers, allowing the HolyFamily to get away unharmed. Dog himself is caught and returned to his cruel owner. Lamb goes back to his shepherd boy. Only a greatly changed and humbled Camel is left in the stable along with a tiny, very relieved (now that Cat is gone) mouse. “What was it you were all talking about?” asks the mouse. “Listen,” said the camel. “I have stories to tell you.”
No comments:
Post a Comment