And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:6-12
Did you know that that the word “stable” is not found in association with the location of the newborn Jesus? The Scripture says that when Jesus was born, Mary wrapped Him in swaddling (cloths for wrapping newborn babies) and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for him in the inn. The place where Jesus was born was most likely under a huge overhanging boulder under which the sheep would be bedded down with a rock wall surrounding the opening of the grotto to create an enclosure. There would probably be a campfire to keep them warm when the cold of the night air began to settle over the countryside.
The manger could have been either made of wood or stone but whatever it was made of it would be filled with fodder for the animals that were protected there.
The angel told the shepherds that they would know that they had found the Savior born that night because He would be wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Perhaps, it was the very place where they bedded down their sheep from time to time.
Now, why was there no room for Jesus in the inn? Why was he born in a place where sheep and lambs were kept? Does it not stand to reason that the final sacrifice (the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world) for the sins of mankind would be born where the sacrificial lambs were kept until they would be offered up and their reason for shedding their blood would soon pass into history? Just asking—makes you wonder, doesn’t it? Be blessed today knowing that Jesus was born and that He is the Son of God and that He is your Savior. Amen and amen!
