Stable of Pride

By Julia Fernandes

December 21, 2011

We shifted to Virar in the year 1995 in the month of September. I remember the first time I visited our house. I kept surveying the house quite liking it. But, when I reached the balcony I was shocked by what I saw. There was a big stable that housed buffaloes and cows, with a strong stench. I could not believe my parents chose a house which had a stable bang opposite our balcony.

I fumed. I questioned my parents as to how they could buy such a house. I whined, I cribbed, I complained, but to no avail. The house was already bought. I kept shuddering at the thought of how on earth am I going to eat or have my tea with buffaloes and cows in front of me?       

With great reluctance I moved in with my family. I did not like the sight of the stable or the buffaloes. As far as possible I avoided the balcony. Then Christmas arrived and with great joy we began the decorations of the Christmas tree and the crib. When I was arranging the animals for the crib, the thought struck me that the stable which I detested so much is actually the birthplace of our dear Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus was born among innocent sheltered animals. I went to the balcony and looked closely at the stable. I could no longer see dirty animals, but I could see the innocence in them. When we make a crib, the little animals, grass, look so nice and pretty. But, when we have to actually live opposite a stable, the same animals and grass turn disgusting for us.

From that day onwards, each time I look at the stable I, fondly remember the nativity of our Saviour and I feel proud to have a balcony overlooking innocent animals!

We generally tend to turn our noses on low-end areas and places. But, God is different, so different. He chose the lowliest of places for His Son to be born. Which just goes to show that it is not where you are, but who you are that really matters. For like our darling baby Jesus, by His sheer birth, made the stable the most fascinating place for all generations to come while making it a stable of pride for me!

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,

For loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away

Like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf

The good you do for others is the good you do to yourself.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year...