Away in a Manger

Caden wanted to read the Friend magazine the other night. It had a picture of a nativity scene in it, so I decided to take the opportunity to teach my son about Jesus' birth. This is how it went.

Me: This is a picture of when Jesus was born. Christmas is when we celebrate his birth.
Caden: Jesus Christ! (so far, so good)
M: This right here is Jesus when he was a baby.
C: Where baby go?
M: Eric is asleep in his cradle. Can you see baby Jesus in the picture?
C: Rie dere. Baby head. (The Jesus in the picture was swadled)
M: Thats right. This is his mother, Mary. And this is Joseph.
C: Jesus Daddy?
M: Um, well Heavenly Father is Jesus' Daddy. Joseph just helped take care of him here on Earth.
C: Daddy work?
M: Yes, our daddy is still at work.
C: Caden take-a care-a baby Eric!
M: That would be so nice of you to take care of your brother while your daddy is at work.
C: What 'dis, mommy?
M: That is a donkey.
C: Donkey?
M: Yes, the donkey carried Mary to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. She rode the donkey.
C: Oh, horse.
M: Sort of like a horse. But its a donkey. Do you remember what donkey's say? (he has a few books with donkeys, so this wasn't a new concept).
C: Um, its a cow! Cow says moooooo!
M: No, its a donkey. Donkeys say "hee-haw."
C: No, mommy, its a cow. Mooooo!

Upon which, Caden jumped down and ran off. So there you have it. The Christmas story through the eyes of a child.