PJP2 PROLOG 151219 PROLOG Focus Luke 2:1-7....

Psalm 41:13 (ESV)/(emphasis added/jaj)...."Blessed Be The Lord, The God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!  Amen and Amen."....

PJP2 PROLOG POST 151219 - Luke 2:1-7 (ESV)/(emphasis added/jaj)....{The Birth of Jesus Christ}
...."In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered / taxed.  This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And all went to be registered, each to his own town.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, Because he Was of The House and Lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his Betrothed, who Was With Child.  And while they were There, The Time Came for her To Give Birth.  And she Gave Birth to her Firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a Manger, Because there was No Place for them in the inn."....

Well ain't that something - as we read through Luke 2:1-7 (and I crossed check this in Matthew 1 and 2) there is no mention of Joseph and Mary transporting from Nazareth to Bethlehem by donkey.  I mean I'm use to our seeing the Holy Family with Mary riding a donkey.  Now that's not a show-stopper, just an interesting observation.  So, I'm sure, by now, you are wondering what's my deal with no donkey.  Well for grins and giggles I Word Searched (using the Bible Gateway Engine) 'donkey' in The Word.  There were 140 verses/POWS identified with a donkey, or donkeys in them.  Drilling further, I Heard The Holy Spirit Ask me - "Jeff, what's the most famous four donkeys you can think of?"  Well the first one is obviously Balaam's Donkey (Numbers 22).  There is Abigail's Donkey (1 Samuel 25).  Then there's Absolam's Donkey (2 Samuel 15).  Finally there is Jesus's Colt of a Donkey (Matthew 21).

Yet, though it is not specifically stated, makes sense that Joseph, being the man of Godly Character he was, there's just no way he would have his very expectant wife trudge on foot all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  I just don't see that.  I'm betting there was a donkey, and oh what stories that donkey could share.

Ok, so, Jeff, what's your point with the donkey?  Thanks for asking.....my Point that I Hear The Holy Spirit Sharing with me is two-fold.

(1) Ever be aware that God The Father can (and will) employ ever level of scenario to Deliver His Love towards us, be that King, Wise Men, Shepherds, Donkeys or Mangers.  Even if that means giving the animal the capability of Speaking to us.  (Check our Balaam's Donkey's Story - That Donkey had a LOT to say/jaj);

(2) Treat All with God's Love and Kindness.  I am certain those of us who have had Beloved Pets can attest that there are clearly times when it seems our Pet(s) are just about ready to say something, but don't....or do they?  Bottom-Line/Up-Front - The Lord Calls and Speaks to us every moment of every day, sometimes through the timely interruption of our dog/cat/etc.

May we Ever be Listening for His Word, whatever Vehicle He Chooses to Deliver it.

My prayer for us today would simply be, Lord Jesus Please Open our Soul's Heart, Eyes, Mind and Ears to Ever Be in Tune with You and Your Word to us.  Holy Spirit, May we Reflect Your Light in our Lives, even to the Care we Provide Your Four-Legged children.  Father God, we Thank and Praise You for Your Love and Forgiveness.  Lord Jesus we Lift Up these Prayers in Your Holy Name.  Amen/Amen....jaj

Blessings to you and yours....jaj