The Donkey That Carried Mary

A Humble Donk in Nazareth can’t believe that he has been chosen to carry Mary on the road to Bethlehem. Following Joseph, the Donk heads off down the rocky road, only to witness the Lord’s family turned away at every inn. They find room in a stable just in time for the baby’s birth, though the Donk’s not sure why there is such a fuss. Then he meets Baby Jesus himself and knows he’s in the presence of a King. All in his unique voice, The Donk tells how the angels give the Good News to the shepherds and how the Three Kings foil King Herod’s plan. The Donk even helps Herod’s soldier meet the baby and open his heart to Jesus. Mary and Joseph and the Baby and Me is a nine hundred -word rhyming children’s picture book. Perfect to read aloud to children of all ages, the Donk’s Nativity story will become a family holiday favorite.

Sara is a blessed donkey with a magical story to tell! She has been with the Holy Family since before Jesus was born-for she was THE DONKEY THAT CARRIED MARY. From the seemingly endless journey to Bethlehem that long-ago night of his birth, to the dark day of his crucifixion, Sara bears witness to the most important happenings of all time. When she saves the Holy Family from two would-be robbers, Jesus grants Sara immortality-a gift she takes seriously. Never far from Mary's side, Sara vows to protect her from other humans who would cause her harm. Join Sara and Mary on their travels together in this unforgettable story for all ages. Who can say that animals cannot talk if they wish? Especially one as special as THE DONKEY THAT CARRIED MARY... From teenagers to Grandma and Grandpa, everyone will love this story told by Sara, the donkey who carried Jesus' mother, Mary, on their journey and lived out the long life Jesus promised her, always at Mary's side. Not a Sunday school lesson, but a warm and funny story of animals and people that brings Biblical events alive in a new way. -Judy Alter, WWA Hall of Fame writer and author of the Kelly O'Connell Mysteries

"Davey the donkey was never chosen to do anything, until the day he found himself carrying the King. After that, he felt proud of himself, until he saw what the King had to carry"--Page 4 of cover.

A long time ago in the Holy Land lived a scruffy little donkey who hated hard work. And then he met gentle, kind Mary, and his world changed forever. When Mary and Joseph have to travel the long journey to Bethlehem, who can they rely on to get them there safely? This is a unique version of the traditional nativity story, told from the child-friendly perspective of the little donkey, who grows in confidence and pride as Mary and Joseph place their trust in him. The story ends with the wonder of the birth of Jesus, and the little donkey's promise to keep looking after his new family. Adapted for younger children from Gunhild Sehlin's classic chapter book, this Christmas story is sumptuously illustrated by Hélène Muller, with marvelous details of the Holy Land.

"A Donkey's Little Tale" was a Divine gift on the morning of December 28, 2004. I, the "author," R. Mitchell Scott, sat down with coffee and Bible. Throughout the month my devotional time teemed with spirit-charged poetic energy. Scripture fairly demanded a creative outpouring.Reading the brief accounts of Matthew 1 and Luke 2, the passages wanted for detail regarding the short journey to Bethlehem made by Joseph and Mary. Pondering the scriptural gaps, I was disappointed by the few and brief biblical accounts glaringly deplete of intimate detail. The couple blended in among the throng making their way to Bethlehem to register for the census. Was there no one to chronicle the intimate details of the love story between the chosen parents of the Son of God? I had questions but no one to ask . . . except the Lord. Suddenly, inspiration! Did they bring a donkey? If so, what might he have seen or heard? The child in me captured my thoughts. I had no one to ask, so I asked the Lord--what did the donkey see? Three hours later the breathtaking poetic contemplations were etched in a spiral notebook courtesy of my trusty yellow #2 pencil and the gracious hand of God. "A Donkey's Little Tale" turned out to be the crowning glory of my poetic bonanza, and it has been protected at all costs. Very few have read it over the past decade, and those who have, whisked away tears at the end. My beautiful sister, Lana, the first to hear a reading of "A Donkey's Little Tale," has faithfully nagged me for these ten-plus years to get on with the publishing. Now, here it is. Glory to God!

The stubborn, dirty little donkey who is of no use to anyone in Nazareth becomes a quick and willing helper under Mary's care. The other animals in Mary's stable like him and together they wait for the birth of Mary's child. However, Mary and Joseph have to leave Nazareth obeying Caesar's decree, and the donkey carries Mary to Bethlehem where the child is born. The donkey hopes to carry Mary and her son quickly back to Nazareth but instead they have to flee to far-away Egypt. Willingly, the donkey makes this journey through the desert. Only after a long time could they return home where the other animals in Mary's stable welcome them. An engaging alternative to the traditional Christmas story, to be read to children ages 6 to 8, or for children ages 8 to 10 to read to themselves.

May the joy of the Christmas season be over flowing in each one of your hearts. When I was a young mom I wanted for our kids to understand more of the Jesus part of Christmas than the Santa part. I knew we needed to help them understand the Bethlehem story more so I wrote a story with them in it. It comes through the eyes of the donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem. Just insert yours and your husband's name where it says "John and Ruth" and insert your children's names where "Sarah and Andrea" are or where there are any references to them. If your family doesn't match ours in the way I wrote it, just put your names into the story however you see fit. I hope it will bring a blessing to you and your children and help you get behind the eyes of your child during this season and the excitement will override any of your stress. You can help your children experience the awe that we all need to feel as we realize that Jesus would humbly come down from heaven and be born in an animal stable just because He loves us.

A donkey has fantastic dreams while crossing the desert, and at the end of the day the lady who has been riding on his back gives birth in a cave to a very special baby, the baby Jesus.

Can you image the stories donkeys would have if we could understand donkey language! The following is an amazing story that I imaged could be told by a donkey. So you think I am just a donkey! I have a special story to tell that will amaze you and change your mind. A story from the Bible as told by a donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem.