A number of children’s sermons at St. Paul’s church have involved the animals present at the manger scene. Once, a frog named Fitz, a stuffed animal who was then a common participant in these sermons, asked why no frog was present. The storyteller continued that a frog was likely there, but had not been noticed by the gospel writers. That frog may have been hidden in the straw, awakened by the hub-bub, and awed by the presence not only of animals, but shepherds and kings. Although he also witnessed the events, he was unfortunately left out of the Gospel account. In the manger scene at St. Paul’s, a miniature green frog has sometimes been found in the Advent items packed in various boxes. This is good news!
I like to believe this particular apocryphal story is an example of the broader message of Jesus’s birth, which was especially intended for those not expected to deserve it. This may remind us that Christmas is a time to be more inclusive. God invites those who do not appear in the traditional Christmas story.
—Larry Esposito
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