[vladimir998]

For the same reason as to why he was put in a manger between two animals. Isaiah 1:3.

And that, boys and girls, is why the ox and donkey are included in Nativity Sets (which we’ll see all over the place in a couple of weeks). There’s also a verse about this (although it only says “beasts” or “animals”) in the Septuagint version of Habakkuk.

http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2012/01/ancient-origins-of-nativity-scene-part.html#.WDMinfkrLcc

http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2012/01/ancient-origins-of-nativity-scene-part_12.html#.WDMjQ_krLcc

[Melian]

Interesting links!