Christmas: The Sheep

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth 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. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:6-12 (KJV)

Joseph and Mary found shelter in a cave used by area shepherds for their sheep. This is the place where Jesus Christ was born, where the Word became flesh. God became man in a place where sacrificial sheep were housed and cared for. How do we know this and why is it significant?

To me this is one of the least-known, but most amazing aspects of the nativity. According to early Christian writers, the Bethlehem area was where sheep were specially born and raised to become temple offerings. According to early Jewish historian Eusebius, Bethlehem was near a place called Migdal Eber, which means tower of the flock. The watch tower was used by the shepherds to keep a constant vigil over their flocks night and day so they would be kept unharmed until their sacrifice. This is meaningful because Jewish writings of old stated that temple sacrifices could be raised as far away from Jerusalem as Migdal Eber. Bethlehem was only about five miles from Jerusalem, and the sheep could have easily been transported there to be sacrificed.

The swaddling clothes were present in the cave because the little newborn lambs were wrapped in them, especially around the legs, to protect them from injury. The reason this was important was because the temple sacrifices were to be without blemish or any imperfection. And the newborn lambs were placed in a feeding trough, or a manger, until a priest came come to inspect them.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29 (KJV)

By now I’m sure you can see the amazing parallel between the baby Jesus and these lambs. Jesus, the Lamb of God was born to be a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. It was only fitting that He was born in the same place and wrapped in the same way as the lambs used for temple sacrifice. Like those lambs, Jesus was placed in a manger, a stone feeding trough. And this was the sign to the shepherds that they had found the baby they were told of- that he would be wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, just like their little lambs.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2:25-32 (KJV)

And, don’t forget another astonishing parallel between Jesus and the sacrificial sheep. He was also inspected by a priest, just like those lambs. When Joseph and Mary presented the baby Jesus to the Lord at the temple in Jerusalem, a priest named Simeon, who had been believing to see the Messiah, was led of the Holy Spirit to come in at just the right moment and see Jesus. Jewish writings confirm that at that time there was indeed a priest and theologian in Jerusalem of great reputation named Simeon. God left no detail undone. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was held and blessed by likely the most respected priest in Jerusalem at the time. How appropriate!