December 22, 2025
A Song That Brings Me Back
KRISTEL ACEVEDO
Lee en español
“When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger.” Luke 2:15-16 (CSB)
I have a confession to make: I’m not a big Christmas music person. Whenever I admit that out loud, people assume I must be a Grinch, but I promise that’s not it. For the most part, I love the Christmas season; it’s just the music I struggle with.
There is one song, though, that never fails to make me smile. It tells the story of a little shepherd boy riding a donkey, playing his cuatro (a small, Latin American guitar), and joyfully making his way to see Jesus. The original version was recorded in Venezuela in the 1970s, sung by a young boy whose voice captures pure delight:
“Con mi burrito sabanero, voy camino de Belén … Apúrate, mi burrito. Vamos a ver a Jesús.”
“With my little savannah donkey, I’m on my way to Bethlehem…Hurry up, my little donkey. We’re going to see Jesus.”
There’s something about that song that echoes Luke 2:15-16, where shepherds who had heard the angels announce the birth of Jesus then said, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see.” They didn’t hesitate. They “hurried” to find Mary, Joseph, and the newborn Savior.
A few verses later, Luke 2:20 says, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard” (CSB). They were amazed and overjoyed to learn that everything the multitude of angels had declared was true.
Sometimes I lose that sense of urgency. The Christmas season fills up quickly with shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating, and party planning. It’s easy to get swept up in the lists and expectations and forget the wonder of what we’re actually celebrating. When that happens, I lose sight of the joy that drove the shepherds to Bethlehem.
Maybe that’s why I love “Mi Burrito Sabanero” so much — the simple delight of imagining a little shepherd boy on his donkey. It pulls my heart back to where it belongs. It lifts me out of the brain fog, the hustle and bustle, the never-ending to-do list. It reminds me that in all the hurry and noise, Jesus is here, and we get to see Him.
Friend, put down the shopping lists, the ribbon, and the tinsel. Let’s go see Jesus.
This Christmas, I may not be listening to all the Christmas music, but this one song will remain a staple in our home because it’s a song that brings me back. It brings me back to the joy and expectancy of meeting God’s Son.
Lord, this Christmas season, help us not to be caught up in the lights, the shopping, and the parties. Help us not to become overwhelmed or distracted. Instead, bring us back to You. Fill us with urgency, expectation, and pure joy at the thought of being with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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For more from Kristel, grab a copy of her Bible study, A Way in the Wilderness: Meeting God in the Desolate Places of Scripture. (Also available in Spanish: Un camino en el desierto).
Kristel is a wife, mom, ministry leader at her local church, and author. She loves connecting with other women on Instagram, where she shares encouragement, Scripture, and pictures of her cute dog.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Matthew 2:10-11, “When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (CSB).
If you’re struggling with distraction or overwhelm in this season, what steps can you take to recapture the joy of seeing Jesus?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2025 by Kristel Acevedo. All rights reserved.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/pablohart
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