By Elaine Simpson
Child Care Director
Catholic Social Services
“Jesus our brother, kind and good was humbly born in a stable rude....”
- from “The Friendly Beasts,” a song by Robert Davis
As we move into the last Sunday of Advent and prepare to celebrate Christmas, let’s pause and remember that this Baby who was born in a humble stable more than 2,000 years ago is the real reason for celebrating. This kind and good Brother who came to earth to be our Savior is really who brings us joy and salvation!
At Little Blessings, Catholic Social Services’ Child Care Center, we have been focusing on this true reason behind the Christmas holiday. While the children in our center are getting very excited about Santa and the gifts they are hoping to receive in less than a week, we have been participating in several activities to prepare our hearts for the coming of Baby Jesus, the Savior of the world.
We have spent the last three weeks doing small acts each day to prepare our hearts: activities like saying extra prayers, helping out other people, giving extra smiles during our day, and preparing gifts for those we love helped us focus on the wonderful gift given to us by our Heavenly Father on Christmas.
We spent part of one morning walking and singing Christmas songs around the CSS office to help prepare the hearts of our staff and clients for Jesus’ coming as well. These small daily acts of kindness all served to remind both children and adults that Christmas is about more than just receiving; it’s about giving our hearts in gratitude for the greatest gift of all—Jesus. These activities not only helped prepare the children’s hearts, but also inspired the staff and clients who are part of our community.
Children and staff at Little Blessings Child Care recalled the most important part of Christmas by preparing a short program based on the song by Robert Davis, “The Friendly Beasts.” In this song, the animals in the stable where Jesus was born tell of the gifts they gave Jesus on that holy night.
The donkey carried Mary to Bethlehem so Jesus could be born there. The cow gave Jesus her hay as a pillow. The sheep gave his wool to keep Jesus warm, and the pair of doves in the rafters cooed Him to sleep. By preparing and presenting this program, we hoped to not only share the story of Christ’s birth, but also remind everyone of the humble gifts that were given to Jesus by the animals in the stable.
“The Friendly Beasts” song captures the heart of the Christmas message: love, humility, and generosity. As the children portrayed these generous animals, it was a wonderful opportunity for everyone—families, clients, and staff alike—to reflect on what it means to give, even in small ways, and to remember that Christmas is ultimately about the love that Jesus brings into our hearts.
We ended our program with the songs “Joy to the World” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” As we saw the smiles and heard the applause of our audience in the CSS classroom, it was a beautiful reminder that the spirit of Christmas is contagious—when we share our joy and love with others, we help prepare their hearts for the coming of the Savior, as well.
As Christmas Day approaches, may the love and joy of the newborn Savior fill your hearts, and may the peace He brings continue to guide you in all the days ahead. We sincerely hope and pray that you will allow Jesus into your heart this season so you will know the joy that only Jesus can bring! Merry Christmas!
Courtesy photos
