A donkey met us on the path as we continued our Journey to the Manger today.

We don’t know how Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Many traditions and depictions of the Nativity show Mary riding on a donkey. We don’t know what animals may have been in the stable where Jesus is born, maybe a donkey, some sheep, or a cow. Jesus’s beginnings here on Earth were so humble.

Mary may have entered Bethlehem on a donkey, great with child, but later her son Jesus would ride triumphantly into Jerusalem on a donkey in the midst of waved palm branches and cries of Hosanna.

Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!

– John 12:15

Jesus is our King! Born in a manger and resurrected from the grave, Jesus came here for you and me, so we could know Him and feel His love and presence.

Click here to learn more about celebrating Advent with your family this Christmas, including access to a Scripture plan, free downloads and activity ideas. For more on Journey to the Manger, an advent experience from Focus on the Family, visit the Thriving Family website.