CAMPHILL SCHOOLS NEWS
THIS year Christmas was celebrated in a new way in Camphill Estate with Mary's donkey playing a starring role.
The idea came about when, during the October break Judy, one of the housemothers decided to go to Culter by donkey on the railway line. Once on her back and with the donkey being lead along, her mind began to wander and she thought, "This must have been what it was like all those years ago when Mary rode her donkey."
So once home, she passed her views onto the Christmas group and a new celebration was on its way. The open garden garage was cleared out and soon, with fairy lights and 'tea' candles providing a quiet light, the scene was set.
A few nights before Christmas in the early evening, the pupils came down to the garden and saw the Annunciation Scene. The next night while they waited outside their houses, Mary on her donkey and Joseph passed by, on their way, looking for a place to sleep for that Holy Night.
Down to the garden courtyard they went with the pupils following. From the first three enquiries there was a negative response but from the forth a kind innkeeper made them welcome.
On the following night the shepherds came and made a fire in a nearby field until the angel came and revealed to them what they must do. Finally on Christmas Eve, by lantern light, the pupils descended to the garden shed and there before their eyes they saw the Holy Scene, Mary and Joseph, the little child lying in his mother's arms, the Angel, shepherds and their dogs and Mary's donkey. Silent Night, Holy Night. The mood was serene as the pupils took in the scene before returning home to light their Christmas trees and sit down to their Christmas Eve meal.
And the donkey? Back to the field by Milltimber Brae without a worry in the world, little knowing what awe and wonder she had helped create this Christmas.
Laurence Alfred