We used to live near a church that sponsored a live nativity scene every year.  It was something that we enjoyed and we made it a  Christmas family tradition every year.

The manger scene contained an “all-live” cast ranging from farm animals to angels, wise men and shepherds to Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

The live nativity scene also included many of the animals you would find in or near a barn.  A cow, a donkey, sheep, a lamb and a goat.  We were so touched by the peaceful relationship between man and beast, we decided to bring our little dog with us one year.  Suzette was her name.

Suzette was a sensitive little dog and a special part of our family.  On arrival at the scene and sensing the joy and excitement of the moment, Suzette found it necessary to run to the powder room in this most natural of setting.  She quickly took care of business, then approached the manger scene with much curiosity.

Suzette, being a sensitive little dog, was able to assess with her nose, and at a glance, that baby Jesus didn’t have it quite as good as she did.

She noticed that Jesus lay resting on a crib of hay out in the open air.  She remembered that she lived comfortably in a soft foam bed under a sturdy kitchen table within a climate controlled habitat.  Suzette, puzzled by this inequity, decided that some action, on her part, was needed to correct this perceived misfortune.

I know she thought, “if I could only get close enough to give baby Jesus a slurp on his soft rosy cheek, then all would be be better for him.  I’ve got to find a way.”

As Suzette tried to manuever her way to the crib, she was stopped by a very arrogant goat who said “Stop, you peasant dog.  Get behind the manger line!  Only kindly animals of the animal kingdom are allowed  to be a part of this prince’s court.”

Suzette retorted “But I am a kindly animal and I know how to behave  around royalty.”  She went on to say “It’s part of my canine heritage to protect, honor and serve those of such royal stature.  It is my duty, as a princess, to come adore our new born king.”

The goat said “you don’t look like royalty to me and besides, if you were,  you wouldn’t be allowed because beastly dogs are not permitted in this royal court.”  Suzette nervously said “What can I do Mr. Goat to prove to you that I am worthy to participate in this pageant of pageants?”

“Oh stop the formalities, my name is Billy Goat.  I’m the director of this slip-shod operation.  Been doing this for the past five years.  Sure, it’s hard to find kindly animals and the one’s I got, oh! Running late, failing to punch the clock and taking far too many breaks.  I had to get rid of the chickens because of too much cackling. Enough of my bleating, back to you kid, I mean beastly dog.”

Billy Goat continues “you said something about being worthy?  Well,  none of us are worthy!  It’s a matter of qualifying.  You see, this is an animal supported nativity scene which goes on seven nights a week through Christmas Eve.  I need someone reliable.  No nights off, no dinner breaks and only one five minute bathroom break per hour.”

Billy said “Unless we get a no show or a cancellation, there’s just no room for you on the set.  Otherwise, it will take an act of God to get you in.”  Suzette feeling  somewhat dismayed said “Can’t you pull some strings to get me in?  I’ve got to get to baby Jesus.  I have a special gift for him.”

Billy said “oh stop wagging that tail!  I’ll tell you what I’ll do, kid.  Show up here every night at seven forty five sharp.  That’s fifteen minutes before curtain call.  If I have an opening,  I’ll try to work you in, but no promises.  I’ll do what I can.”

“Remember, you can’t be a dog in this pageant.  You need to be ready to moo like a cow, bah like a sheep, hee haw like a donkey and if needed, God forbid, bleat like a goat.  Nothing else will be acceptable.  Otherwise, it will take an act of God to get you in.”

Suzette, with a glimmer of hope in her dark brown eyes, promised that she would be faithful in being there every night prepared to substitute in a kindly animal role.  At home that night she prayed that she would be given a sign, any sign, that it was proper for her to approach the Christ child.  With that thought, she fell peacefully asleep into pleasant doggy dreams.

It was Christmas Eve, the seventh night of the nativity pageant.  The weather was cool and the night was still.  Suzette was prompt and ready to act just like she was for the past six nights.  Still a no into the Christmas pageant.  But Suzette was hopeful and waiting to hear a stage call for her at any moment.

Suzette noticed that Moo Cow and Bah Sheep were a little under the weather.  They sounded a little nasal, but they were there.  She also knew that Nanny Goat had developed a cold and she might not be able to perform.  But she also knew that this was the most holy of nights.

It was the night when the royal envoys, from the East, would arrive led by the Christmas star.  She was hoping and she was praying that she would be let in on the act.  She was so excited that her little heart nearly pounded right out of her chest.

Seven forty five was approaching and director Billy Goat began his roll call of cast.  “Okay, everyone, please acknowledge your presence when I call you name. Moo Cow. Moo!  Bah Sheep.  Bah!  Nanny Goat.  Naan!  Hee Haw Donkey.  Hee Haw!

All were present and the pageant began.  All the kindly animals processed in, one by one, on to the  manger set. Then came a fleet of angels dressed in    robes that glistened like snow.  Each carrying a lighted candle and singing in angelic praise.  All in place waiting to hear the sound of a trumpet announcing the arrival of the holy family and distinguished guests.

The moment had arrived, it was quiet, then a flourish from a trumpet began, a bright beam of light illuminated the pathway to the set and focused on the crib ahead. The holy family, surrounded by an entourage of angels approached the manger set. As Mary and Joseph settled into place, baby Jesus was laid onto the crib wrapped in a glistening white blanket with a radiant light emanating from the holy child. It was a glorious moment for all.

Next came the archangel, Gabriel, carrying the Christmas star, he arose to the roof and held the star to guide the shepherds and the special envoys from the East.  The shepherds arrived first and paid their homage.  Then came the royal guests from the East.  All bearing a special gift and greeting for the Christ child.  Each were guided by the star atop the manger set.  Suzette  just sat in awe of this most holy of scene.

Suddenly a light shone out over the crowd and beamed into the face of Suzette.  Shen knew, then, that this was the sign for which she had hoped, the star to guide her to the baby, Jesus.

She slowly and reverently approached the Christ child and bowed down with outstretched paws waiting anxiously and hopefully for the baby to acknowledge her presence.  The baby smiled at Suzette as she approached the crib.  He touched her nose and she knew then, from the warmth she felt inside, that she was touched by God himself.  She gazed at the baby in utter amazement and so did the other kindly animals and kindly people too.

Suzette knew that this was the time, her time, to do what she came there to do.  She moved forward with paws up side the crib.  She looked at the baby, gave a quick slurp and off she ran in glee.  Suzette beamed from ear to ear.  She knew she had slurped the new born king.