She obviously didn’t know it was Christmas, or that we were coming out to the barn that cold, clear morning to join her. The snow crunched under our feet like styrofoam as our troops marched out, some bouncing from the excitement of the big day. Our milk cow’s brown eyes glanced up at the growing crowd as she munched on hay.
Huddled close in the stall we sang “Away in a Manger” and the lyrics turned into ice crystals that floated up. A simple tune in simple surroundings; for a moment we were all transported back to a dingy stable where livestock and shepherds first glanced upon Jesus the newborn king.
The reading of the Christmas story, the smell of hay and the sting of winter on my cheeks made me feel alive. It was a moment I had been yearning for during the entire holiday season. A chance to connect with my wife and children, to catch the simple and majestic joy of Christmas without the wrapping paper.
Our wish for you this Christmas is a simple connection to the Maker. And may the miracle of Christmas stay in your heart throughout the new year! Merry Christmas from Jeff, Deb, Olivia, Amy and Randy at Dala Town.
Photos by Olivia Garretson, Dala Town