25
Dec 2012
“Unto you, a child is born….”
We pulled her from the pasture a few days ago for no reason other than she seemed to not be acting quite herself. She’d been at the ranch about six months, brought in from a seizure involving six other donkeys.
Sometimes, when the stalls are full, we just let them hang around the barn. They receive special attention and we have the time to really watch them. There was no physical indication that anything was wrong. We had no idea…
It was a warm night, the sky clear, silent….
Early this morning she brought her child into the world, born in the barn hallway because there was no room in the stalls.
The horses stood silent as he took his first steps….
A little boy. We named him Joseph.
It reminds me of a story I heard somewhere…..
Marcia
Yes, similar to another story. So glad mother and Joseph are safe. I only wish the book with the original story was more concerned about the welfare of all animals, not just the human ones.
Karen
I love him and this story.
I am sending a donation in honor of this precious little guy named Joseph. With it the wish that his life is filled with love, good hay and that he is never alone.
Merry Christmas to everyone at HH and thank you for everything you do to help the forgotten, abused and thrown away hoofed ones – giving them the dignity they deserve.
May you be immensely blessed!
Suzanne Dunham
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story!
BlessUsAll
Oh, Joseph, you are soooooo fluffy and soft, so innocent and pure. Your mommy must be so happy to have you safe at her side.
Thank you, Jerry and everyone at Habitat, for being such good innkeepers — or would that be barn keepers, stable keepers, stall keepers, or hallway keepers? How about ALL kinds of keepers!
Echoing Marcia’s comment, I believe that many parts in original scripture about Jesus’ love for animals were left OUT of the Bible by scholars who didn’t want humans’ vaunted place in the world to be disturbed by too much Truth, by too all-encompassing a Love.
We can know in our hearts, though, that angels herald the appearance of, and prepare a place for, every precious creature brought forth by the Maker of all that is good.
Enjoy your first day on earth, Joseph. Christmas Day. I’m sure your mom — and your many nursemaids — will make it extra special and sweet!
Arlene
Wow !!!!RT What a befitting name !!! Joseph, Dear Little Joseph , How Lucky to be Born on Christmas and to have such Loving People with You !!!
Marge Mullen
You should forward this to the Pope. He recently stated there were no donkeys at the time of Mary and Joseph.
Janet Garcia - Gramas Cottage
Merry Christmas !
Auzie
Awwww what a great story, u hope mommy and Joseph are doing well and are happy and comfortable <3 sweet babies <3
Bob
If I remember correctly, Jesus rode into the city on a Donkey on the day we now call Palm Sunday. In this way He exalted what was previously thought of as a lowly beast of burden. What a wonderful way to remember little Joseph’s birthday–just remember ‘He was born on Jesus’s birthday’. It is comforting to know that he is in good hands at HfH.
BlessUsAll
Yes, Bob, it’s in Matthew 21:1-9.
Musician David Olny wrote a hauntingly beautiful song, “Brays,” that describes the event from the donkey’s point of view:
None is more proud than the stallion
None is more feared than the lion
None is more free than the eagle
But who is more blessed than I am?
I was never what you could call noble
Beauty and grace I lack
Only a poor beast of burden
But once I bore a king upon my back
Blessed am I of all creatures
Blessed am I of all beasts
I heard the cries of Hosanna
Palm leaves were laid at my feet
Tethered to a tree at the crossroad
Two men appeared at my side
They led me away to their master
And upon my back he did ride
We entered the city in triumph
Every man’s heart filled with joy
I raised my ears at their shouting
And added my own humble voice
Before you would taunt me with your laughter
A favor of you I would ask
Remember the king that I once carried
And let your mockery pass
Blessed am I of all creatures
Blessed am I of all beasts
I heard the cries of Hosanna
Palm trees were laid at my feet
None is more proud than the stallion
None is more feared than the lion
None is more free than the eagle
But who is more blessed than I am?
Words and music by David Olny
(c) 1994 Bug Music, BMI/David Olny
Pamela Vise
I got to meet and snuggle with Joseph last weekend. He is so cute and mom just stood by proudly-while she snagged the treat bag!
Denise Calaway
Saw him hiding behind his Momma the other day. He is so cute.