“And she gave birth to 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.”  Luke 2:7

We all know the story of the incarnation of Jesus -- of his humble beginning.  Born to a young couple of humble circumstances, born in a stable, and visited by shepherds (shepherding is a very low position).  Luke has given us a very clear view of what has happened even to the wrapping in swaddling clothes.  I wondered why he included that small detail; my search led me to The “Illustrated Dictionary of the Bi8ble” Herbert Lockyer, SR., Editor”
The following quote is from that source.
Quote:
“Swaddling Band--a long strip of cloth used to wrap a newborn baby.  To swaddle a baby was to wrap the infant in strips of cloth, much like narrow bandages.  This was believed to insure the correct early development of the limbs.  Thus, swaddling was a mark of parental love and care, while the need for swaddling symbolized the humble, dependent position of the newborn child.”

Although she could offer Jesus no better crib than an animal’s manger, Mary showed her mother’s love by wrapping her baby in swaddling bands.  The baby Jesus in swaddling bands reminds us of the great humility of our Lord in becoming a human being for our sakes.”
End Quote

And I need to quote “Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary”  that tells us,
“The idea that the word means rags is without foundation”

I have the sense that Mary, knowing that it was nearing the time for her to deliver, she had prepared for the birth as best she could for the trip to Bethlehem.

The more I read Luke’s account, the more I am amazed at the details that he provides for us.  The Bible is an awesome Book and I am so grateful to all the writers who obediently wrote as the Holy Spirit directed.  Thank you most holy God.

So let us praise and give glory to our Savior God on this anniversary of His incarnate birth as we sing  O Holy Night

“O holy night!  The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared  and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, 
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
He knows your need, He guardeth us from danger.
Behold your King, Before the lowly bend,
Behold your King, Before the lowly bend.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our Friend,
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine , O night, O night Divine.

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.  
(This was first sung at a small Christmas mass in 1847 in France)

We humbly bow before our God and King as we joyfully celebrate our Savior’s birth this December 25, 2024!

Blessings to all!