Arr matey, this yuletide, keep a keen eye on that donkey and the lessons it be teachin' us scallywags!
2023-12-14
In th' reenactment o' th' Christmas tale in many Christmas pageants, ye scallywags all be wantin' to be angels or sheep. Yet, no soul braves t' be a donkey. But let's all ponder upon th' humble donkey, me hearties! Arrr!
In the language of a 17th century pirate, with a humorous tone, the passage begins by discussing the tradition of nativity plays during Christmas. While the origin of these plays is unknown, they have inspired countless others. The common features of these plays include angels with chiffon wings, wise men and their gifts, a weary innkeeper turning away Mary, a wide-eyed Joseph arranging the manger's hay, and Mary expressing her exhaustion by saying "I think today." Under a suspended star, a baby is born and angels sing, while wise men kneel. Children often want to participate in the nativity play, with boys aspiring to be Joseph and girls aspiring to be Mary. Some may want to be angels or bring gifts from a distant land, while a few might even volunteer to play the hard-hearted Herod or the hassled innkeeper. However, no one ever wants to be the donkey, which is odd considering the great honor it had of carrying Jesus. Despite not having the looks or glamour of Joseph or Mary, the donkey delivered history's greatest gift. The passage emphasizes the contentment and satisfaction in the donkey's eyes for fulfilling its important role. The donkey's simple and faithful service teaches a valuable lesson about selflessness and humility. The passage concludes by celebrating the donkey's work and suggesting that we can learn from its example by faithfully carrying out our own roles without expecting recognition. The donkeys of the story serve as a reminder to plod along, bear the weight, and carry the One who will carry us all.