Little Gray Donkey

Lynn PittsUncategorized

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. (Luke 2:1-5 NRSV)

I love Christmas music! I love the joy, celebration, and retelling of the best news the world has ever heard!

I can sing “Deck the Halls,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and “Love Came Down at Christmas” with any set of carolers who will let me join them. I love and revere the classics: “Silent Night,” “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “Away in a Manger,” and “What Child Is This.”

However, one of my very favorite Christmas songs is one that Tennessee Ernie Ford sang, called “Little Gray Donkey.” The part I remember best is this:

All Heaven is watching your mission divine,

and over a stable a star waits to shine,

while shepherds and Wise Men all look for a sign,

Little gray donkey tonight.

I love this one because if a little gray donkey had a starring role in this, the world’s greatest event, there must be room for all of us around that manger.

So, while you are shopping, decorating, baking and partying, I hope you will take time to go (in your heart and mind) to that straw-filled manger and look down at that baby who came to save the world.

And take a handkerchief! I shed a tear just writing about this miracle!

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