By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller
Moral of the Story:
True greatness is found in humble hearts willing to serve. God often chooses
the simplest souls to carry out His most beautiful plans. When we listen and
obey, we become part of something bigger than ourselves. Every act of kindness,
no matter how small, can shine light into the world. Humility opens the door for God’s glory to shine through us. We may not always
understand His plan, but when we trust Him, we help fulfill it.
In a quiet stable just outside the
town of Nazareth lived a small, gentle donkey named Danny. His coat was soft
and gray, his ears stood tall, and his eyes glimmered with kindness.
Danny was not the strongest or the
fastest donkey in the stable. The others often bragged about their strength or
their shiny coats, but Danny stayed quiet. He didn’t like to compete or boast.
Deep down, though, he sometimes wished he could be chosen for something
important.
One crisp evening, as the sun set
over the hills, Danny overheard his master, Joseph, speaking softly to a kind
young woman named Mary. She was expecting a baby soon, and her smile glowed
like morning light.
“Mary,” Joseph said gently, “we must
travel to Bethlehem for the census.”
Mary nodded. “Then we will go
together.”
Joseph looked toward the stable.
“We’ll need a donkey for the journey. One who is gentle, steady, and patient.”
Danny’s ears perked up. Could it be?
Would he be chosen?
Joseph walked past the stronger
donkeys, past the ones who stomped proudly. Then he stopped at Danny’s stall
and smiled. “This one,” he said. “He’s humble and kind. He’ll carry us safely.”
Danny’s heart leaped with joy. "Me?"
he thought. God must have a plan for me after all.
The next morning, as the golden
light spread across the land, Danny was saddled for the long trip. He carried
Mary carefully on his back while Joseph walked beside them. The road was dusty
and rough, but Danny never complained. He walked slowly and steadily, careful
not to stumble.
At times, he grew tired and hungry,
but whenever he looked back at Mary’s gentle smile, his strength returned. He
felt honored to carry someone so special.
As they traveled, Mary hummed
softly, her voice like a lullaby in the wind. “Danny,” she whispered once, “you
are helping carry the greatest gift the world will ever know.”
Danny didn’t understand fully, but
her words filled him with peace.
The journey was long, over hills,
through valleys, and across rocky paths. When they finally reached Bethlehem,
the streets were crowded. Joseph knocked on door after door, but every inn was
full.
“We have no room,” said one innkeeper.
Joseph sighed, looking at Mary, who
was weary and in pain. “Please, sir,” he said softly. “My wife is about to have
a child.”
The innkeeper frowned, then pointed
toward a small cave behind the inn. “There’s a stable out back. It’s not much,
but it’s warm and quiet.”
Danny gently carried Mary to the small stable after Joseph thanked him. Inside, the hay smelled sweet, and
the air was calm. Joseph spread a blanket and helped Mary down. Danny settled
nearby, watching over them with gentle eyes.
That night, something miraculous
happened. A baby was born, tiny, perfect, and full of light. Mary wrapped Him
in cloth and laid Him in a manger filled with hay.
Danny stared in wonder. He didn’t
know how or why, but he knew this was no ordinary baby. The stable seemed to
glow with heavenly peace.
Then, through a crack in the roof, a
bright star appeared above them, brighter than any light Danny had ever seen.
It shone directly over the stable, bathing everything in a golden glow.
“For unto us a child is born, to us
a son is given… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
Danny bowed his head low, his heart
full of reverence. “This,” he thought, “must be God’s plan. I was chosen to
carry His Son.”
Outside, shepherds who had been
tending their flocks saw the same star. Angels filled the night sky, singing.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:14 (NIV)
The shepherds followed the light
until they reached the stable. They knelt beside Mary and Joseph, their eyes
wide with awe. “The Savior is born!” they whispered.
Danny stood quietly in the corner,
his heart overflowing. He didn’t need a crown or medals; this moment was
greater than any honor he could have imagined.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord,
and He will lift you up.” James 4:10 (NIV)
The next morning, as dawn broke over
Bethlehem, travelers passed by the little stable, unaware of the miracle
inside. But Danny knew. He had carried the King of Kings.
He looked up at the fading star and
whispered a prayer of gratitude. “Thank you, God, for choosing me. I will
always serve You with a humble heart.”
“Whatever you do, work at it with
all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
From that day on, Danny walked with
quiet pride, not the pride of boasting, but the joy of knowing that God uses
even the smallest and humblest creatures to do great things.
Poem:
A humble heart will light the way.
When pride and fear start to sway, a humble heart will guide you.
For God delights in hearts that serve.
Walk with love and never swerve.
The greatest gift, the purest part,
It is serving God with all your heart.
For even small ones play their role,
God's great plan involves saving each soul.
Discussion Questions:
1. What did
Danny the Donkey learn about humility and God’s plan?
2. How did
God use a simple donkey to help fulfill something miraculous?
3. How can
you serve others with love and humility in your life?
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