After the Christ child was born long ago in a stable that first Christmas night,

An angel warned Joseph to leave Bethlehem and so the whole family took flight.

Then, as the three of them journeyed to Egypt,

They rested when stars filled the sky.

And while they are sleeping, their donkey’s keen ears

Heard King Herod’s soldiers nearby.

He tried very hard to get Joseph awake, but donkeys were mute in those days.

Then all of a sudden a miracle happened…he let out some great, piercing brays!

The family awakened in time to escape and hurriedly slipped out of sight,

The donkey was grateful and quite humbled, too,

That God chose to use him that night.

And still, to this day, the loud piercing bray from a donkey so gentle and mild

Reminds us again of that creature’s devotion and love for the dear Holy Child.

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