While Virgin Mary was lying in straw beside her son in the manger on
the chilly night of December when he was born, she was too tired and
weak to get up and keep the fire to keep her son warm. She was a
stranger in the land and there was no one yet to help her with her
miseries. The wind was raw and cold and fire was getting dull, this
causing discomfort to the Holy Infant. Thus, Mary asked the oxen in the
stable to help her and blow the embers with their breath. But they did
not even stir from their place. Then, the poor mother pleaded with the
ass to breathe upon the flame to make it brighter and warmer but the
silly and lazy animal was so fast asleep that he did not even heard his
name.
At last, a brave small Robin who was flying down south with his
brothers heard the lady's pleas and saw her and her son in great
discomfiture and took pity on them and come through the window to help
them. She flapped her wings till the flames rekindled and started
burning brighter. Some of the sparks even leapt up and seared the
creature's breast but the Robin continued to serve baby Jesus bravely
till the stable grew warmer and the Child slept softly. The thankful
Lady blessed the Robin for her bravery and kindness and said that from
that point of time, every Robin would have a breast of red as a reminder
of the great Charity; it had done unselfishly for Baby Jesus.
