Jesus chose to be born to poor parents instead of kings, in a humble manger instead of a palace, and surrounded by humble barn animals instead of obsequious servants.
St. Bonaventure (1221-1274) called animals “creatures without sin,” unlike we humans born with original sin or concupiscence that renders us “tinder for sin (fomes peccati).” I have no doubt, therefore, that Christ finds this nativity scene endearing.
H/t beloved fellow May.
~Eowyn
