Imagine that night some 2,000 years ago when Christ was born in a stable. The traditional carol, “Away in a Manger,” paints the picture:
Away in a manger,
no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus
laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the heavens
looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus
asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing,
the poor Baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus,
no crying He makes.
Each year at the Billy Graham Library we welcome animals from Sam’s Path Petting Zoo as part of the live nativity. This year we have two cows—that you might find lowing. One of the most popular animals so far this year is the Scottish Highland cow, Wookie.
While Scotland is quite some distance from Bethlehem—and a Scottish Highland cow may not have been present at the birth of Christ—there’s no doubt that Wookie is a sweet, lovable addition to the nativity.
In addition to Wookie, the Billy Graham Library nativity also includes two camels, two donkeys, two sheep, two goats and a zebu cow. Also making regular appearances at the nativity in 2016 is Gaby, a capuchin monkey. 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 noon to 2 p.m., where guests can come meet them, take photos and even interact with the animals.
