“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

We don’t know what kind of animals were there that first night of Jesus’ birth; but we can imagine what could have been.

The donkey that Mary rode upon on her journey from Nazareth. Perhaps a camel was there, used to carry Mary and Joseph’s belongings. The sheep that followed their shepherds from the fields where they saw the star and angels appear. Maybe even some cattle, chickens, or goats.

Each year at the Billy Graham Library, the live Nativity during Christmas at the Library plays host to many of these animals. The camel, donkey, sheep and goats are mainstays. Then, each year, three new animals are added to the mix. This year the three unique animals are actually several – Jake, the Jacob sheep; Al, the alpaca; and a variety of speckled, gray, black, and buff Japanese silky chickens.

Not only are these animals part of the recreation of the birth of Christ each night, but they are also on display each day from 12-2 p.m., where guests can come meet them, take photos, and even pet the animals.

In case you can’t make it out to the Library this month, we want you to meet some of the animals of the live Nativity.

https://youtu.be/bPULsrUoupM

https://youtu.be/qcwmd1IY2H8

https://youtu.be/0Ktg2dKXjmM

https://youtu.be/pxmJqVVi26M

A special thanks to Jodi from Sam’s Path Petting Zoo for taking the time to introduce us to all the animals.