The Advent Calendar - Pt. 7

 

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-12 ESV).

 

Sometimes I fixate on a seemingly obscure word or phrase in the Scripture. Today is one of those times. Reading the Christmas story again in Luke’s Gospel, I found myself wondering why he felt compelled to include how the baby Jesus was dressed for the arrival of the shepherds. It was an extraordinary event, supernatural and terrifying for these men. After the announcement from the angelic hosts, they made their way to town and found the scene. It was just as the angel had said. He was “swaddled” and lying in a feeding trough.

 

Swaddling clothes are cloths and bands used in “wrapping” an infant tightly in cloth. The idea behind swaddling is that it helps the baby transition from the womb to the outside world. Swaddling clothes are still used today, but with some modifications. In general, swaddling has been proven to help infants sleep better, to prevent them from scratching themselves, and to reduce the risk of SIDS. In ancient times, like today, a swaddled infant was safe if wrapped and watched properly. There are some interesting theories about Luke’s detail of Jesus’ swaddling clothes. Some have postulated that the swaddling clothes were a prophetic reference of Jesus’ burial cloths. The Greek word sparganoo is the root word used in the phrase “swaddling clothes,” and it means “to clothe in strips of cloth.” But this word sparganoo is never used in the New Testament to refer to burial cloth. More likely it is a reference to the truth that when the Son of God came into our world, He was entrusted to responsible, loving parents who sought to meet His every need. Baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes according to the custom of the day, an action that showed the tender care and affection of His mother. Additionally, it is a clear reference that he was truly human as well as divine.

 

Allow yourself to picture what the shepherds saw. There's humanity. In this holy infant is the beginning of an earthly life. Look deep into His eyes and see the beginning of life itself. Later, this divine man, completely unique in His nature and in the perfect life that He lived, "humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Isn't that amazing? All of this to bring us peace and restoration with God! There’s our reason for celebration!