Unboxing the Nativity: Ox, Ass, and Midwives?

Your crèche has animals. But the Bible doesn't mention them. Where did they come from? The fascinating influence of the 'Protoevangelium'.

MyPrayerTower Team

5 min read Spiritual Study

Open your Bible to Luke 2. Do you see an ox? A donkey? A camel? No. They aren't there.

So why are they in every Nativity Scene?

Isaiah 1:3: "The ox knows its owner, and the ass its master's crib (manger); but Israel does not know." The early Christians read this as a prophecy. The animals recognized Jesus when His own people didn't.
The Protoevangelium of James: An ancient (non-biblical) text from 145 AD. It adds details like animals and midwives (who check Mary to prove she is still a virgin). While not Scripture, this text heavily influenced Christian art.

Keep the donkey. It is "biblical adjacent." It reminds us that all creation groans for a Savior.

Set up your scene. Add the donkey. MyPrayerTower app.

"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."