Joseph
purchased a small donkey several months before the trip to Bethlehem so Mary could become
accustomed to the animal. A great bond grew between the pair as Mary took care of the donkey
and nightly covered him with her robe. However, at the start of the trip the donkey picked
up a thorn in one of his front hooves which caused him to go lame. Every step was painful,
but he knew how important it was for him to carry Mary carefully. With great patience and
will power the donkey struggled along the trail carefully, being sure not to limp for fear
it would make Mary uncomfortable. So careful he was that neither Mary nor Joseph knew the
donkey was in great pain. Finally the trip ended in Bethlehem. The little donkey was able
to lie down and sleep in the hay, covered with Mary's robe. Later that night an angel came
and lifted the robe from his back and said "Among the beasts thou alone always shall
be blessed, for in another's time of need you bore your cross of pain in silence, and all
men shall know you for the greatness of your heart. Your children and your children's children
forever more shall bear your mark of honor among the beasts." When Mary's robe
was removed from the donkey the next morning, she and Joseph saw something that had never
been seen there before: A cross on his back. And every small donkey has since
borne the cross on his back as a reward for his work and faithfulness.
