A retelling of the Nativity story, in which wild animals gather in peace around the manger From the annunciation to the first Christmas night, this story reflects the message of peace at the heart of the season. As Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men set off on their journeys towards Bethlehem, the animals that they pass including a goat, ox, wolf, leopard, and lion begin to follow out of curiosity. When Mary and Joseph find a place to shelter in the stable and baby Jesus is born, the animals gather around the manger, creating the perfect scene of the "peaceable kingdom" in which all creation lives in harmony together.