There is an old world tale about a miraculous happening on Christmas Eve. As legend goes, at the strike of midnight animals all around the world are magically able to speak. They tell each other of the birth of Jesus.

I remember hearing this story as a child and desperately wanting to wait up past midnight on Christmas Eve to see if I could have a conversation with our dog, or wander out to the field to see if my horse could talk to me. Of course I always fell asleep well before, worn out from the day’s activities and ready to wake my parents up at the crack of dawn (or earlier) to see if Santa came.

But, wouldn’t it be wonderful if the animals could talk on Christmas Eve? I find it significant that in this legend the animals don’t talk about what Santa is bringing them for Christmas, but of the miracle of Jesus’ birth. As Christmas becomes more commercial, politically correct and chaotic, once again we can turn to our furry friends for reality, enlightenment and inspiration. It’s so easy to forget the “reason for the season” and difficult to step out of our often self absorbed lives to ponder the true miracle of Christmas. Upon reflection, it is something we should think about and be grateful for every day of the year. God gave his only son for us! The glory of the virgin birth! It’s no wonder the legend tells of animals speaking! Indeed, animals were present at the birth of Jesus. The son of God was born in a stable, in a manger. What a humble and sweet beginning.

So on Christmas Eve perhaps legend and reality meet and take on extraordinary meaning. Maybe the animals do talk and tell each other about the birth of the Christ child. So listen closely this year. If this legend is true, our pets have their priorities right on Christmas and if we can’t hear them talk, maybe we need to listen a little harder. After all, their ancestors were there that miraculous night too. The animals spoke of Him first, they’re still with us today, and they give us so much and ask for so little in return.