[Noctis]

Thank you for bringing it back up! It's part of our Christmas tradition now...

[Budrow]

(wiping tears away) I, too, enjoy reading this each year! When I lived/worked at a barn a few years back, I did the midnight Christmas visit hoping to see the "story"...alas, none were kneeling, but it was really cool to share that time with the horses...not that they had a clue why I was there at that hour (I did night check at 10 PM normally) !

[Wellspotted]

Thank you, Weatherford. I love that story and the tradition of posting it here on COTH.

[Wellspotted]

I just came across this online and thought I would post it here to go with the story. --


The Oxen

CHRISTMAS Eve, and twelve of the clock.
‘Now they are all on their knees,’
An elder said as we sat in a flock
By the embers in hearthside ease.
We pictured the meek mild creatures where
They dwelt in their strawy pen,
Nor did it occur to one of us there
To doubt they were kneeling then.
So fair a fancy few would weave
In these years! Yet, I feel,
If someone said on Christmas Eve,
‘Come; see the oxen kneel
‘In the lonely barton by yonder coomb
Our childhood used to know,’
I should go with him in the gloom,
Hoping it might be so.
THOMAS HARDY

[Louise]

I'm so glad that this is back again. I always get just a little teary-eyed when I read this COTH tradition each Christmas.

[moonriverfarm]

I printed out the story and added it to my Christmas card to a friend who I knew needed to read it. Thanks to Anne for sharing such an incredibly precious moment with all of us!!!!

[TarheelJD]

I somehow missed this when it made the rounds last year -- what a great story. I'm going to share it with my 10 year old goddaughter.

[Chester's Mom]

I think, like so many miracles, this one occurs when you NEED it not necessarily when you want it.

I love to read this every year, thanks mods for bringing us back into the spirit!

[MunchkinsMom]

I think, like so many miracles, this one occurs when you NEED it not necessarily when you want it.

I love to read this every year, thanks mods for bringing us back into the spirit!

Yes, thank you! I look forward to reading it every year.