This is a true story; I know because I was there. I belonged to a good master named Joseph, who was in love with a wonderful girl named Mary.
Being a donkey and having an understanding of such things, I knew right away that Mary was pregnant. I could hear His small heart beating inside her.
Emperor Augustus had given the order for everyone living in the land to travel to the town where they had been born so they could be counted. This is why a very pregnant Mary and her beloved husband to be, Joseph, were traveling to Bethlehem. I stood very still when Joseph saddled me, and Mary climbed onto my back. I wanted to take good care of this mother and child.
The journey was long, and the road was rough. Mary was heavy with child; I could tell the baby was coming soon. Perhaps He, too, would be born in Bethlehem, just like Joseph had been.
It was dark when we finally arrived; every inn was full. The only shelter left was a small stable. I felt right at home, but I was worried about Mary and Joseph. The baby was about to be born. Joseph made Mary as comfortable as he could; then they prayed:
“Lord God Almighty, Your Son is about to be born. Fill us with Your peace, strength, and wisdom. Amen.”
I soon heard a tiny baby’s cry. Joseph took the warm blanket from my back, gave it to Mary, who wrapped the baby and laid Him in a manger. She counted His ten fingers and ten toes. She stroked His cheek and kissed His nose.
A group of shepherds arrived. With great excitement they exclaimed, “There He is! Just as the angels said!”
The shepherds bowed their heads and knelt before the sleeping baby. I was amazed; I had only seen people do this for kings and emperors–never for babies.
“How did you know to come looking for us?” asked Joseph.
“We were watching over our sheep in the fields nearby when the entire night sky lit up with angels! We were scared at first, but then one of them came to us and said,
“Do not be afraid! I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
After that, all the angels began to sing and celebrate!
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace to those on whom His favor rests.”
The youngest shepherd spoke up: “Then they disappeared! We ran the whole way here.” With awe in his voice, the boy asked, “What is His name?”
“God told us to name Him Jesus,” replied Mary.
The thrill of hope filled their hearts, and the shepherds danced with joy. “Jesus means ‘God saves!’ The Messiah is here at last! This is the One who has come to save us!”
So they had a party because this little baby would grow up to be the greatest King the world had ever known. They knew this was the night that changed everything. Never again would we have to wonder what God was like; Jesus was here to show us all.
I can’t wait to see what this baby is going to grow up and do.
But for now, it is time to sleep. The shepherds have taken their flocks back to the pasture. Baby Jesus is fast asleep in Mary’s arms. Joseph has nodded off where he was sitting by the door keeping watch. Good-night, world. Rest well; your Savior has come.
“She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
