The other day Billy and I were in the pasture.
He set out fresh hay in the ring for all the animals. As soon as they heard us, they came through the wood line to greet us.
Before long we had thirteen cows, four donkey’s, three goats and two ponies.
They are beautiful creatures and full of personality.
The next morning we sang Away in a Manger in our church service. My mind instantly went back to the pasture. How vivid the sights and smells were. The hay was fresh and smelled nice, yet there were those normal animal smells.
I thought about Mary and her ride to Bethlehem. It was approximately a 90 mile journey. I have heard that they would normally travel about 10 miles a day back then. Even a mile on a donkey’s back when you are expecting would be a rough ride, especially if you were near your delivery date.
Our donkey’s are so sweet. I could imagine Moses or Jack carrying Mary on their back. I could also imagine that Mary and Joseph loved their donkey like we love ours.
What a relief it must have been to finally have reached their destination. Yet, what a disappointment it must have been when they couldn’t find a place to stay. Whew, can you imagine….Mary must have been exhausted….and Joseph more than a little bit worried. Once they were told they could stay in the stable, it must have been most welcome, despite the fact that it was just that….a stable.
It probably smelled something like I smelled the day before, fresh hay….and the other smells too.
I don’t know if animals were in the stable or not. But, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the stable was full.
I thought about all of our creatures with their big beautiful brown eyes, and inquisitive personalities. I wouldn’t doubt that they all encircled the manger after Jesus was born,trying to figure out what all the commotion was about.
Just think…possibly they were the only ones who witnessed the birth of Christ.
If so, they would have heard the small talk that Mary and Joseph had, as they gazed at their newborn.
Possibly….they watched Mary count His little fingers and toes.
Maybe they even got to see the shepherds come and find Jesus laying in the manger wrapped in cloths. Yes, just as the angels had proclaimed it would be, and watched as the shepherds hurried off to tell others.
In Luke it tells that Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Can you even imagine what she was thinking?
To think that God had trusted you enough….to be the Mother of Jesus.
Even though those were not the conditions that Mary and Joseph would have chosen….I’m sure it was a beautiful sight in spite of it all.
I think about part of another song ….
“Surely The Presence of the Lord”…..
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
I can feel His mighty power and His grace.
I can hear the brush of angel’s wings,
I see glory on each face.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
Yes, I would say that if there were indeed animals in that stable that night…..they were very, very fortunate.
I pray you feel the presence of the Lord today.
Merry Christmas……
I've Gone Country 