“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:6-7
“The time came” … there is a good historical basis as to why the traditional date of December 25, accepted by the ancient Greek and Latin churches, may be a good approximate date. The date of the birth can be fixed with some precision, since Matthew 2:19 makes it clear that Jesus was born near the time of Herod the Great. Josephus mentions that Herod’s death occurred between an eclipse and Passover. Since the only eclipse recorded in this period was in March 4 bc, and Passover would have been mid-April, we know Jesus was born at least a few months before spring 4 bc … either in the winter of 5 bc or the following spring, which is why dates of Jesus’ birth read 5 to 4 bc. The fixing of the date of Christmas as December 25 dates at least from the time of Constantine (ad 306–337). The celebration became the church’s way to celebrate Jesus’ birth and have an alternative celebration to a popular pagan feast.
“Firstborn Son” implies that Mary had other children.
“Wrapped him in cloths” was a sign of tender care. Babies were washed, rubbed with salt and possibly olive oil, and then wrapped. Strips of cloth were wrapped tightly around infants to warm and secure them, and keep its arms and legs straight.
“Manger” is an animal feed trough.
“No place for them in the inn” meant Mary and Joseph were forced to bed down in a nearby cave or stable, where animals were housed. The travel caused by the census likely overwhelmed normal arrangements for hospitality.
“The inn” was most likely a reception room in a private home or a space at a public shelter, not a large building with several individual rooms.
As you reflect on the wonder of Jesus’ birth, pray for a humble and pure heart and for God’s peace.
God’s blessings on your day…