“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:7 (ESV)
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, His first bed was a manger, and His tiny body was wrapped in swaddling clothes. This simple, almost mundane detail carries profound spiritual meaning. Swaddling clothes, common in Jesus’ time, were strips of fabric used to wrap infants, providing warmth and security. On my recent trip to Israel, I learned that swaddling clothes were also used to wrap lambs. As a young perfect lamb was cleaned and groomed for the next day’s sacrifice, it was wrapped in swaddling material to keep it from getting dirty. The Angels told the shepherds in Luke 2:12, … and this will be the sign to you: “You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” This information directed the shepherds to the only stable in Bethlehem where lambs were prepared for sacrifice. So, Jesus’s first clothes were the same type of material used to wrap lambs prepared for sacrifice. Interesting parallel!! In the context of Jesus’ birth, these clothes point us to the depth of God’s love, humility, and redemptive plan.
Swaddling an infant is an act of love. It provides warmth, comfort, and a sense of security. In being wrapped in these clothes, Jesus experienced the care of His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, and the tenderness of the Father’s providence. The One who holds the universe allowed Himself to be held, demonstrating the depth of His identification with humanity.
For us, the swaddling clothes serve as a reminder of God’s faithful care. Just as Mary wrapped Jesus in love, God wraps us in His grace, providing all we need for life and salvation. Psalm 91:4 declares, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.”
There is also a poignant foreshadowing in the swaddling clothes. Later in John’s Gospel, we see Jesus wrapped again—this time in linen cloths (John. 19:40. 20:5-7) NKJV. From the very moment of His birth, Jesus was set apart for His ultimate mission: to die for our sins and bring us eternal life.
The swaddling clothes point forward to the cross, reminding us that Jesus’ life was marked by sacrifice from beginning to end. As we reflect on this, we are moved to gratitude for the Savior who came not just to live among us but to die for us.
The image of Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes is a beautiful picture of God’s humility, care, and purpose. It calls us to live humbly, trust in His provision, and remember His sacrifice. This Christmas, may we marvel at the Savior who, wrapped in simple clothes, brought us the greatest gift of all, eternal life with Him.
Grover Duling, CBC Executive Board
