The Christmas Stable Mouse

Bethlehem nights were far colder than the bright sunlit days, as creatures in the stable were taken out to graze. The ox, the ass, the donkey, and the mule were pastured out to earn their keep in exchange for hay, fodder, and dried gruel as the night stars gathered in the sheep. The stable mouse had burrowed deep beneath the hay there birthed her young and held them hidden safe, sheltered, warmed throughout the day protected within the darkest place to play. One still night, a couple came unnoticed and quiet like gathered hay to escape the cold of the night, all complete as the midnight hour spiked the stable glowing brilliantly with the brightest light. Voices rose, blended in melodic angelic hymns and the young couple serenely glowed ignited warm and holy with the birth of Him giving purpose to the life each parent was to know. The small mouse peeked out of her small hole awed and wondering at this birth and at what she had seen from her place and was gifted to behold knowing it was a blessing to the earth, here down below. The mother smiled, beckoned the mouse closer as she could not help but wonder what child is this, what song is versed in startling lightning announced thunder; she came closer to the newest mother. her children following close behind to see such beauty unlike any other soft skin, wise eyes, gentle, loving and kind. As each approached, they bowed their heads amazed at the innocence and love purveyed the father watched silently, as the child held their gaze in those moments the mouse found her voice and prayed. Thank you, God, I know this must be your Son born in this place within its simple mystery where ox, ass and donkeys have run to see fulfilled the words of prophecy, God has come. This is your blessing, a solemn gift divine I ask nothing of you as I am so small bless all the children of creatures, men, mine and all and may your Son grow to be strong, wise, and tall . In this moment that stretched into the dark night, a light the child's mother softly touched the small mouse's head a blessing was given to her and her children's delight in the miracle and wonder on that Bethlehem night within the manger bed.