Tradition places the a bull and a donkey near the Christ child after his birth. While Mary reaches for her son and Joseph contemplates in this medieval image of the Nativity, Jesus looks towards his animal companions. I wonder what it was like for the Creator to know creation from inside the human experience.
My Prayer:
For the ability to see the beauty in all creation, I pray.
Scriptural Touchstone:
The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib… Isaiah 1:3
While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger. Luke 2:6-7
Invitation to Prayer:
Notice how the donkey’s ears are poised to listen. Bring your attention to your ears. What are you listening for as you consider your experience of God? What prayers are emerging in your body, mind, heart, and imagination? Pray them now.
Photos:
The Nativity in the Life of Mary stained glass window (1217-1220) at the Chartres Cathedral in France.
Other posts in this series:
The Nativity (1): Christmas Love
The Nativity (2): Touching
The Nativity (3): Pondering Jesus’ Birth
The Nativity (4): Blessing
Pray with Jill Geoffrion 
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