~a column by Mary Weaver
Christmas 2023
Here is a different take on the nativity scene. Entitled A Christmas Bestiary by John Kenn Mortensen and Benni Bodker, it features whimsical descriptions of the animals of winter, real and imaginary. Excerpts from the book were included in a 2006 advertising brochure released for Atherton House in Adel. Along with Baba Yaga and the Krumpus, the story includes descriptions of a cat, cow, horse, and mule, robin, bear, stork, donkey, rooster, camel, spider and firefly, birds, turtle, skunk, hedgehog, and sheep, all animals found in a manger scene.
The animal clans each sent one of their own to see the newborn baby and they filled the stable for three nights after the human guests departed. A truce was called between the animal enemies, and they visited the newborn in peace. Birds represented those who lived in the sea or could not make the long journey, and they flew back with descriptions. Some believe that animals can speak in human voice at midnight on Christmas Eve, and bees hum the 100th Psalm.
I am sharing some of the stories……
COW, HORSE, AND MULE- Fresh hay made the baby’s first bed. The cow resisted eating the grass and spent the night swishing away flies with her tail and warming him with her breath. She gave fresh milk for all. The horse was terribly naughty and nibbled the hay which made the baby cry. The nervous mule kept heehawing which disturbed the child. Mary thought he was unfit to tend a baby. From that night on, the kind cow has sweet breath and can eat once and lay down to leisurely chew her cud in peace. The horse must constantly graze with little rest, and the mule never has a baby of its own.
ROBIN- A humble bird made a nest in the stable rafters before Mary arrived. Joseph built a small fire to warm his newborn son. The bird flew down to the failing fire and flapped her wings to restore the flames. Though she soon tired and her feathers were scorched she kept at her task all night. Mary blessed the robin with a rosy, red breast to remind all of her charity.
DONKEY- While carrying Mary to Bethlehem, the sturdy donkey suffered terribly from a thorn in its front foot. He never complained or stumbled as he so loved Mary. She marked him with a cross on his back to remind everyone of his devotion. While escaping to Egypt the exhausted family stopped to sleep. The donkey stood guard and became fearful when he heard the approaching soldiers. With his tiny neigh he tried to awaken Joseph, but no one stirred. He prayed that he might have a loud voice to save his dear family. A great “HEE HAW” arose in his chest which roused the family and they safely escaped. Later he became stuck in quicksand but was pulled out by his ears and to this day he has very long ears.
SHEEP- The youngest lamb from a distant flock came a long way on short little legs. It was quite late when she arrived at the stable on Christmas Eve. All were asleep. She silently looked into the manger and saw the baby shivering in the cold as his blanket was so very thin. As the tired little lamb leaned in close to keep the child warm, her own eyes grew heavy. The two babies were found asleep in the morning cozy and safe. The lamb’s own coarse haggy coat had been transformed into a silky fleece as white as the Christmas star itself.
CAMEL- Because the three wise men carried few supplies on their trek to Bethlehem, they had to ask the camels to push on without food and water. They agreed and went swiftly to Bethlehem. They were rewarded for their resolute efforts with a hump to store energy.
TURTLE, SKUNK, AND HEDGEHOG- Animals of all sizes came to the stable and among them were the timid turtle, skunk, and hedgehog. Night after night they tried to see the baby but were frightened by the stomping and pawing of the larger animals. At long last the tiny trio found the courage to make their way to the front. Mary loved their innocent souls and gave them each a special gift to help protect them in the future. The turtle received a hard shell, the hedgehog grew a spiny coat, and the skunk now had a memorable scent for those who came too close and a broad white stripe to make him stand out in the dark.
Throughout the world animals are honored on Christmas Eve. Saint Francis urged special kindness be shown to wildlife at Christmas time, and he scattered crumbs of bread under the trees so tiny creatures could enjoy a holiday feast. Grains of wheat on Christmas Eve were given to the poultry. Swedish farmers place a sheaf of their best grain on a pole for the birds. Germans toss corn on the roof for their feathered friends. A double ration of grain is given in England so that “all may rejoice” at Christmas.
May you also find opportunities to rejoice during this holiday season.
Mary Weaver writes View from My Window, from her rural farm home near Rippey.
