There once was a donkey named Daisy, who everyone thought was crazy
They called her an ass, which was so cruel and crass
But then she did something amazing!

Daisy the donkey had long black eyelashes that covered half her cheeks whenever she shut her eyes. White furry rings encompassed her deep brown eyes that showed softness to anyone who took the time to look inside them. She was a gentle animal who was more apt to excuse others and blame herself if the need arose. She was the youngest in her family; her mother, named Emily, always babied her because she was the only girl among five older brothers. Her brothers teased her and insisted on calling her "Oopsy-Daisy." She disliked this name because it reminded her of how clumsy she could be.

She became the barnyard animal who others liked to tease and belittle. She was crushed when she first heard everyone’s nickname for her. They called her “dumb-ass”, which wasn’t nice at all. And yet you’ll see that even this worked together for good in Daisy’s life. Because she was made fun of, she developed a knack for entertaining herself and being concerned with other’s needs besides her own. Daisy was most comfortable being by herself and enjoying the sunshine, sky and flowers around her. 

I bet you didn’t know just how smart donkeys are. The myth about donkeys being stubborn is actually a sign of their intelligence. Sometimes their behavior, which seems to be obstinate, is really their use of caution and careful thinking before plunging headlong into an unknown circumstance. They are also very friendly creatures who love to rub up against your body, begging for attention. They value the love of their owner and are dependable and trustworthy. Believe it or not, they have a well-developed sense of humor and love to play. 

One day Daisy overheard a conversation her owner had with a young couple who were looking for someplace to stay. Not that they were the only ones, because Bethlehem was teeming with people because of the Roman census. Daisy didn’t understand what “census” meant, but it obviously had to do with an influx of grandparents, parents, and children. Daisy instinctively sensed there was something very special about this young couple. She sensed goodness and purity about the mother-to-be; for any donkey worth anything at all knows when other creatures are pregnant. Daisy felt there was a joyous explosion about to happen. This was something she didn’t want to miss!

No sooner had she met the young couple when all her barnyard friends came running, flying and galloping up to her and said, “Daisy, do you want to come with us? There’s a carnival on the outskirts of town. You know what that means don’t you? There will be plenty of scraps and leftovers for us. Let’s go!” They saw Daisy looking around and thinking to herself about the choice before her. “Come on, dumb-ass”, they said. “What are you afraid of?”  Daisy looked up, but she just couldn’t bring herself to return their insults. “I’d really like to go, but something special is going to happen with that young couple over there. Something wonderful is in the air, can’t you feel it?"

“Sure," said Charles the cow, “If they’re so unique then why are they headed to the stable? Important people stay in the finest suites in one of the inns. You really have good taste, Daisy.” All the other animals chuckled and laughed. “Have fun”, they sarcastically said as they scampered off to see the carnival. The last thing Daisy heard was them laughing and making faces at each other.

Daisy slowly followed the path towards the stable. With the muzzle of her nose, she slowly pushed open the door and peered inside. She saw the man and woman together at the far end of the building trying to keep warm. Daisy let out a gentle bray from the door and they turned around to see her. The mother smiled and looked at her with eyes that were both warm and frightened. The donkey slowly approached them and began to nuzzle against Mary. She sniffed her belly as the mother laughed - there was a definite fragrance in the air, but unlike anything Daisy had ever smelled.  Daisy began to get excited, but then her practical, caring side took over. 

She looked at Mary and slowly laid down on the ground beside her. Brr, it was cold! Joseph looked at his wife and said, “Look at that donkey, do you see what she’s doing? She wants you to lie back against her to help keep you warm.” Smiling at Daisy, the mother said, “Thank you so much. You are so thoughtful and considerate.” Daisy blushed as only a donkey can do and just relaxed as the woman’s back rested against her. As their bodies touched, Daisy could sense the baby inside; there was a wisdom and understanding in this unborn child that didn’t seem possible. She was reminded of the sensation she felt whenever she looked up into the sky and thanked God for all the beauty around her. That was it, she suddenly decided. The baby reminded her of Creator.

Suddenly her ears perked up as she sensed danger. There was a sudden evil chill in the air and a gigantic black snake slithered in through an opening in dimly-lit back of the stable. It began to slowly undulate towards the mother and child. Daisy wondered why neither of the couple could see it. As it got close to the mother there was an explosion of light as the stable was lit up with the presence of angels. 

Suddenly a canopy of Light engulfed the couple, and Daisy found herself inside this covering. A glowing, luminescent shield was humming with power. The serpent coiled up, ready to strike at the mother when powerful angels with swords battled the monster. The evil, wicked creature hissed angrily at the angels and then quickly slithered out the stable door.

“The Appointed Time is here”, said one angel in a loud voice. They began to sing; what breathtaking melodies and harmonies. She had never heard music so wonderful. Why, even the most beautiful birdsong on a clear blue, sunny morning seemed boring compared with this song. The best way I can describe what was happening is to imagine what it would be like inside a Christmas snow globe. If you were inside you would begin to feel the snow falling all around you and gently landing on your coat. The song would be echoing all around, and you felt like you were in the middle of the most magical dream.

The Angel Song was like snow falling, except these “snowflakes” were liquid droplets of laughter and joy. Then the outer barriers of the shield began to fade away as Daisy saw the nighttime sky above Bethlehem. Next she saw constellations, galaxies and nebulae that were so beautiful that it took her breath away. The whole universe was being displayed before her eyes. Suddenly she saw an intense, pure white light in the far distance, and it gradually filled the whole screen. Daisy had to shield her eyes because of the heat and energy that was blazing in front of her. “Is this what Creator looks like”? she asked. 

Like slowly waking up from a wonderful dream, Daisy looked up and noticed a commotion outside the stable door.  Others must have felt the effects of the earlier explosion, because a group of shepherds, along with their sheep slowly came inside to see what was happening. One of the shepherds stepped into the front of the group and asked Mary, “Is this the newborn baby the angels told us about? They said we’d find an infant wrapped in cloths in a manger, and we were led here.” Mary smiled and simply nodded her head. Everyone in the room came closer and knelt around the baby in an atmosphere of worship. 

When the visitors were finally getting ready to leave they looked at Daisy. “Come with us little donkey”, they said, “We’ll take you back to your master,” pushing and prodding her with their feet. “Leave this new family alone, they don’t need you hanging around with them in this special time together.” Daisy looked directly into the face of the newborn infant and didn’t want to leave. The child’s mother looked at the shepherds and said, “This kind little donkey chose to come into this cold stable to help keep me warm. Let her stay with us.” Nodding their consent, all the other visitors left them together in the stable. This was a special time for Daisy, as she was able to stay in this Peaceful Presence. It was like basking in the warm rays of the sun,. 

The next morning Daisy left the stable. Slowly walking out the door she took one last look at the baby inside. As their eyes met, she felt him speak to her “We will see each other again. Hold this hope in your heart. I will never forget the kindness you showed us this day.” Daisy lowered her head and with tears in her eyes as she stepped outside, she noticed everything seeming brighter than she had remembered. She wondered, “Will I ever be the same again?” 

All of a sudden she heard all her barnyard friends making a big commotion as they approached. They were going on and on about what a great time they had at the carnival. They saw Daisy quietly standing alone. “Daisy” they shouted, “You missed the time of your life last night. You should have seen what we saw!” Daisy slowly turned around to face her friends. They took one look at her and said, “Whoa! What happened to you? It’s looks like you’re glowing! Daisy began to share with them all the details of what happened inside the stable. Some of them just laughed and called her "Oopsy-Daisy", but some of them actually stayed to listen. Daisy spent the rest of her life telling other animals about her meeting. 

Daisy the donkey lived humbly the rest of her life prayerfully expecting that she would meet the Creator-Child once again. The Promise given to her must be true. It was impossible for Someone so beautiful and pure to ever lie.

It was over thirty years later when the Master said to some of his disciples, “Go to the village ahead of you, and you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.” When the men approached Daisy and her son she knew that this was the time when the promise would be fulfilled. She had always prayed that her son would get to see the Creator-Child. 

When Daisy finally saw the Master, all the memories she had treasured in her heart flooded back. With a nod and a warm smile from Him, she slowly approached and nuzzled against His face. He bent down to kiss her on the cheek. A man named John said, “Master, do you know this old donkey?" “Jesus replied, "She knew me even before you did, John.” He looked at Daisy and said, “I have a surprise for you, dear one.” He put his hands behind his back and said, “Close your eyes, take a deep breath and tell me what you smell.” Daisy was transported back in time to when she was inside the manger. Why, she smelled apples and raisins! She felt the wonder of that experience all over. He was laughing at her delight and seemed to be even happier than she was. 

Motioning for her to lie down, he sat against her side just like his mother had done over thirty years ago. Daisy looked back at her colt and saw the look of satisfaction of his face. "So, he knows that all I’ve told him is true." The young colt’s life had been were filled with Daisy’s stories about her experience in the stable. She turned her neck and looked into the Creator’s eyes and saw the same sparkle, but yet there was something different. Donkeys can sense when danger is nearby. Daisy’s thoughts immediately turned back to the snake in the stable, but it was nowhere to be found.

As Jesus slowly stood to his feet Daisy asked, “Do you have to leave so soon?” Jesus knew what was going to happen in the next week, but didn’t want to burden her with that knowledge. With eyes full of compassion, He said, “Stay here dear one. The next time you see me your heart’s desire will be satisfied. 

“You mean you’ll come back for me?” she asked. Tenderly patting her on the head he said, “We will see each other again soon. Don’t be afraid.” He breathed on her and said, “Sleep peacefully, precious one. Next time you see me we will always be together.” Daisy the donkey was flooded with the rays of glory that had kept her heart full of hope through the years. The last image she had while gently closing her eyes and falling asleep was seeing the Master in the midst of a very large crowd in the city of Jerusalem. He was riding on her son and people were laying palm branches on the road and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. The King of Israel.” 

‘Imagine’, she thought to herself, ‘I will see the King soon’. 

FOR IZZY!