As the holiday season approaches, the streets are filled with singing, and houses are adorned with lights and decorations to celebrate Christmas. For Catholics, the Belen and the nativity scene hold great significance during this time of year.
As many of you know, Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus, and “Belen” means Bethlehem in Spanish, which is an important part of Christmas for our Catholic friends.
The term “Belen” can also refer to the representation of the crib or manger of Jesus, which is commonly depicted in nativity scenes during the holiday season all around the world. In Spain, these scenes are often placed in prominent locations throughout towns and cities.
The entire focus of the nativity scene was taken by a little dog in a YouTube video upload.
In Brazil’s city, in 2008, a tiny puppy sought refuge in the nativity scene located at the center of town. Similar to how Mary and Joseph looked for a place to stay and eventually found shelter in a cattle stall, the little dog had nowhere to go until it discovered the manger scene. October is typically a colder season, and during Mary and Joseph’s time, families would have traveled to Jerusalem for the Holy Days.
Due to the large number of people traveling to Jerusalem for the Holy Days, nearby towns would often welcome mass visitors as there were not many options for accommodations. This is why Joseph and Mary had to settle in the manger, just like the little puppy who also wanted to find a safe place for the night. They all found themselves in a familiar place, seeking refuge and warmth.
The cozy decorations and hay in the nativity scene provided warmth for the cold, shivering dog.
The following day, the locals couldn’t help but smile when they discovered that the nativity scene had a new member.
The adorable puppy sleeping next to baby Jesus became a charming sight for the city, and onlookers couldn’t resist taking pictures and cooing over him. Although the situation was comical, the pup remained composed and handled the attention well. The videos and photos captured that day will live on the internet forever, and the parallels between the little dog’s journey and Mary and Joseph’s add to the joy of the holiday season.
During the holiday season, it’s a common theme to think about giving. In this particular case, the nativity scene unknowingly gave the puppy a warm and safe place to stay.
The hope is that the puppy found a loving home with someone who could give him the care he needed. Every animal deserves love and support, and a family to call their own. During holiday season, if you encounter someone in need, don’t hesitate to lend a helping hand. Let us remember the animals that provided comfort to Mary and Joseph during their time of need and strive to do the same for those around us.