Christ came to redeem ourselves from the most confining of crates; ourselves.
When I imagine the original Nativity scene, I don’t envision a softly-lit manger, cute baby, clean straw, adoring animals, spotless flowing robes, the saccharine picture of The Birth that we have been fed all these years.
My cousin Brian and I spent a good deal of time growing up working on my grandfather’s beef farm. The manger was a place where the cattle congregated during the winter to both feed and stay out of the weather, and as a result, the poop tended to accumulate. We would toss down straw to keep the place as dry and sanitary as possible, but as you can imagine, by spring the barn needed a good pitchforking as things unattended tend to pile up.
Although off putting to some, the smells, sounds, and bovine company made that old, dark barn an oddly peaceful place, but it was anything but plush and comfortable, and definitely not the type of place that would witness the birth of a King.
Much has been made of Charlie’s redemption from her foul-smelling crate, and her subsequent new chance at life. I would add that Christ didn’t just come down from Glory to redeem us from our own filthy crates, but He willingly placed Himself in the crate with us.
Charlie’s crate was opened from the outside, but we have the ability to have ours opened for us as well…
From the inside.
Merry Christmas from the Casa del Whackos.
Merry Christmas!
Merry xmas
Merry Christmas, Charlie and the Casa inmates! May you have a blessed day today and stay safe
Merry Christmas to everyone
Merry Christmas to all. Thanks for being part of our lives.
Merry Christmas to you and your family at the casa
Merry Christmas to all in the Casa and may you have a safe and happy 2017.
You are the Will Rogers of our day. In such a confusing and tumultuous world, you put things into perspective for us all. Merry Christmas to you and your entire family, both furry and otherwise.
Merry Christmas to all !!!
Have a great day ladies n gents.
Merry Christmas to you and all of the present and future inhabitants of the Casa ❤
Merry Christmas to all of you and all of the FB family who make this page so wonderful. Charlie, you rock this earth as always.
Merry Christmas, Bret Winingarand family. Your analogies are spot on- as always.
Merry Christmas, the Light can always be found in the darkest (and smelliest) places <3
Happy Christmas CB……ever the wordsmith you continue to astound and delight. Dog after all is God spelled backwards…coincidence? I think not
Merry Christmas Charlie.
Merry Christmas to all at the Casa!
Merry Christmas Charlie and Friends! May your day be bright with abounding LOVE!!!
Beautifully said. Merry Christmas to the Casa.
Merry Christmas to CB, Max, and you and your lovely wife. If you ever come through Hot Springs, we’d love to see you. I monitor the FB page for our rescue, Paws and Claws Rescue, so give us a holler,
Merry Christmas to all you beautiful souls at the Casa.
Merry Christmas to you!!
Merry Christmas Bret, JoAnn, Charlie, MAX!, Angel, Mia, Sweet baby Clyde, Zach, Tara, Lola, Alex, and Echo! May God’s blessings shine upon you always. Here’s to a fantastic 2017!
Amen! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you all!! I think your words on this are so beautiful and true. Thank you for sharing!!! May God bless you always.
Merry Christmas and God Bless everyone!
Love you CB
Well said and a great way to begin Christmas and the New Year…..Merry Christmas to all of you!!!! Love that Charlie.
Merry Christmas!! I love reading your post! I think you have found your true calling and gift!
Merry Christmas from my family to yours!!!
Well said. Merry Christmas and all the best!
Merry Christmas and blessings for all.
Merry Christmas to you and yours! May the Christ Child fill you and bless all of you.
Merry Christmas
Merry christmas charlie to you and your lovely family
May you also have a wonderful and Merry Christmas
Beautiful Christmas message…and so wise… a happy and blessed day with your 2 and 4 legged family.
Merry Christmas to all of the inmates of the casa. Insightful and thoughtful words dad. Hoping your day is full of laughter and good company
Very touching. Thank you
Merry Christmas Charlie and family!!!
Merry Christmas CB and to all your people and inmates!
Merry Christmas from our dog house to yours.
That iis so beautiful Bret!
It seems I always read an update or post from you right when I need it. I can’t express how much it means to look at your page and find faith and hope each time. Thank you.