Article December 24, 2012 Issue

Mary's little donkey

Sissy

Sissy’s drawing of Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem.

Did you know that many donkeys have a cross on their backs? Well, they do! All the Mediterranean breeds have a distinct cross-like marking on their backs. The donkey played an important part throughout the Bible. A donkey talked back to Balaam, carried Solomon to his coronation, and fulfilled a prophecy as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. 

There are many fictional stories about how people imagined the donkey got its cross. My
favorite one goes like this: Joseph bought a donkey for Mary a few weeks before they left for Bethlehem where Jesus was born. Mary and the donkey got along quite nicely and became good friends. On cold nights, Mary would wrap her cloak around the little donkey, so she would not be cold. Mary fed her treats of carrots and figs, and went on long walks with her. At this time, Mary was pregnant. The donkey listened to her talk all about her baby and about her love for God, and the donkey seemed to understand. By the time the three set out for
Bethlehem, Mary and the little donkey were best friends. 

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