Wrapped in Swaddling Clothes

You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:12

Recently, I read an article about the practice of wrapping babies in swaddling clothes and how it is deemed harmful in some cases for the development of limbs. My mind went immediately to this verse in Luke regarding the Lord who was 'wrapped in swaddling clothes'. I began to wonder about the significance of the swaddling clothes since it is mentioned twice in the narrative.

In my research, I found that this was a practice which went back 4500 years to the paleolithic era when newborn babies would be wrapped in a cloth tied in bandage-like strips. This was to give the baby a sense of security which would then induce longer sleep patterns. I marvelled that not only would the Lord of glory be found in the form of a baby, but also be wrapped in these swaddling clothes and, in a sense, be at the mercy of human beings at this fragile stage of His life. What a picture of the humility of the One who had spoken the world into being! (Colossians 1:16).

I could not help but contemplate the shepherds as they received this message. In passing, let me say that I've always been delighted that this 'breaking news' was first delivered to poor, humble shepherds. God loves to lift up the humble (Psalm 138:6). Sometimes we over-interpret verses, but I began to wonder if the 'swaddling clothes' had a further significance to the shepherds. When a firstborn lamb was to be sacrificed according to Jewish law, it was wrapped for a period of time in swaddling clothes to keep it from blemish. Would humble shepherds look at the Christ wrapped in swaddling clothes and think of the Lamb without blemish who would be sacrificed for the sin of the world? Certainly this side of the Cross we can see that picture and exclaim 'Hallelujah, what a Saviour!'.

Christmas is a time to marvel, rejoice and celebrate. May it be a happy one for you all.

Happy Christmas! xxx

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