Dear Little Donkey

A very important feature in most nativity scenes is a donkey and an ox. Some traditions say the ox represents Israel and the donkey the Gentiles, and is related to the statement in Isaiah 1:3 "The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: [but] Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." Another interpretation states that "early Christian scholars believed that Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled when even the livestock would recognize Jesus as their master."

Today’s post focusses on the donkey. It is the burden bearer who takes Mary from Nazareth in Galilee down to Bethlehem in Judea. Not big or powerful as a horse, the donkey nevertheless plods along carrying out the task assigned to it by the owner.

Most nativity scenes will have the donkey These are photos of selected donkey figurines in the gallery:

In many nativity scenes the faithful donkey continues standing as in these examples.

The donkeys come from these nativity sets - l. to r. clockwise: Pewterplated nativity, Cherished Teddies, Lenox O Holy Night Ebony, Mahogany Miracle, Dept. 56 O Little Town of Bethlehem 2000, crystal Precious Moments.

The pleasant personality of the patient beast of burden is seen in the face of the dark Mahogany Miracle donkey in the foreground:
And on these other figurines

Here the donkeys are portrayed as sitting, at last able to rest.

These donkeys come from the following nativity sets - l. to r. clockwise:
Shayne McCarter, Fontanini, Beeswax, Peruvian painted clay, Olive wood from Bethlehem:

Here is a very sweet song which I heard for the first time last December and wanted to share its lovely message. It is sung by the Danish duo Nina and Frederik van Pallandt who were famous in the late 1950s and early ‘60s. Below are the lyrics, which I wrote out as I listened and re-listened to the tape.

"Little Donkey"

Little donkey, little donkey, on the dusty road
Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load.

Been a long time, little donkey through the winter’s night.

Don’t give up now, little donkey, Bethlehem is in sight.

Ring out those bells tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Follow that star tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem.

Little donkey, little donkey had a heavy day
Little donkey carry Mary safely on her way.

Do not falter, little donkey there’s a star ahead
It will guide you, little donkey, to a cattle shed.

Ring out those bells tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Follow that star tonight, Bethlehem, Bethlehem.

Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day
Little donkey carry Mary safely on her way.
Safely on her way.

--Author unknown

In the video from YouTube the visuals go along with the song's lyrics very well.

Click this link if unable to see the video above:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnPUYD2g3pY

Besides the insight into the journey to Bethlehem of Joseph and Mary, this tender song also makes me think of the faithful steadfastness of the animals of burden. How well they repay the basic care (food and protection) given them by their owners.