Preparing the Way for Christ: An Advent Series (Part III)

Dec 11, 2025 by

Fr. Jim Schmitmeyer

During Advent, our thoughts often turn to stables and barns and the animals that inhabit them. I recently received a picture on my phone sent by a nephew who is a dairy farmer. The photo was of a young calf with two barn cats huddled next to each other and perched on the calf’s back.

The caption beneath the picture? “It’s getting cold out here!”

Yes, Advent engenders thoughts of furry, four-footed creatures: lions, bears, cattle, sheep, camels.

As a deer longs for running streams, 
my soul longs for you, my God.

The lives of many saints include references to the members of the animal kingdom: St. Francis of Assisi tamed a wolf and preached to birds. St. Cuthbert shared his food with otters. St.  Anthony the Abbott cured a pig, which then became his friend for life. St. Gertrude offered shelter to cats inside her convent. And the list goes on!

Wayne and the little calf, Munchkin. (Photo courtesy of Fr. Jim Schmitmeyer)Recently, a friend of mine named Wayne related a story about a calf named Munchkin. Born prematurely on his farm, the small calf had little chance to live. Too weak to stand, Wayne would lift her to her feet each morning. After three days, she began to take small steps. 

Now, shortly before Munchkin’s arrival, Wayne had hired a farmhand named Bradley. The young man came from a rough background but was determined to prove himself. Wayne told him, “If you manage to keep this calf alive, she’s yours.”

Bradley gave Wayne a nod, then gave Munchkin his heart. The calf flourished under his care. Soon she was running, skipping and waving her tail! Eventually, she grew strong and confident and took her place among the other cows.

Munchkin became the start of Bradley’s now sizeable herd, of which he is quite proud. What started as a long-shot chance with a newborn calf opened the door for a rascal kid to mature into a reliable worker, a faithful husband and a faith-filled dad.

Advent, as we know, is a season of hopeful waiting. Sometimes, the waiting takes place in a barn…while its hope prances like a calf in a stall of yellow straw.