I just read Amy “Saint Francis and the Christmas Donkey” by Robert Byrd.  The delightful story tells how the donkey is unhappy with his braying laugh and long ears, and of course, being able to talk to St. Francis, lets him know of his troubles.  St. Francis tells the wonderful story of how the faithful little donkey once carried Mary and her unborn child Jesus all the way over stony hills and hot desert roads to Bethlehem, and the stout and hearty heart of the donkey did not let her fall.  The book ends with the sweet, tired but fulfilled donkey laying beside the manger with the newborn Christ.  The other donkey, speaking to St. Francis, walks out into the snowy night and is at peace with who God created him to be.

Other than sheep, the farm animal that I love the most is the donkey.  Something about their big heads, long ears, huge eyes, and fuzzy stout body is endearing.  The cross on their backs is super-cool also.  (Symbolic of the donkey carrying Mary and the Christ on his back  🙂  )

Here’s a friendly little fellow we befriended in County Kerry and some other donkey pictures for you to enjoy in this season to celebrate and remember the night that Christ was born.  Slainte, Lisa