The Adoration of the Magi and the animals who were there

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The ox and the donkey are crucial parts of any Nativity scene at Christmas time. It seems they’ve always been there. But why these two animals in particular? After all, we don’t sing about chickens and goats in our Christmas carols. And how did the donkey, of all animals, achieve such prominence? Aren’t we more familiar with it as a stubborn animal – a “jackass”? There’s a lot to be explained, and this story gives it the dignity it deserves.