21 December – John Studd, Life Church Petersfield
Where was Jesus Born?
How did the shepherds, whom the angels told was born in Bethlehem, know exactly where to go to find him?
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke chapter 2 verses 8 to 12
It is clear that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Micah chapter 5 verse 2 prophesised this: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
All four gospel writers acknowledge this: Matthew (chapter 2, verse 1); Mark (chapter 1, verse 9); Luke chapter 2, verse 9 and John chapter 7, verse 42).
Tradition, but not the Bible, states that Jesus was born in a stable, with cows, donkeys and sheep in attendance. All the New Testament records is that Jesus was laid in a manger. The Collins dictionary defines manger as: a low open container which cows, horses, and other animals feed from. Thus, it seems that since a manger was involved, animals were assumed to be present too.
Referring to Micah again, we read in chapter 4, verse 8: As for you, watchtower of the flock, stronghold of Daughter Zion, the former dominion will be restored to you; kingship will come to Daughter Jerusalem.
The phrase “tower of the flock” is the Hebrew phrase “Migdal Edar”. In ancient times this was a military tower erected to view into the valley on the edge of Bethlehem to protect the city. Several of these military towers are recorded in the Old Testament.
This watch tower from ancient times was used by the shepherds for protection from their enemies and wild beasts. It was also the place ewes were safely brought to give birth to the lambs. In this sheltered building the priests would bring in the ewes which were about to lamb for protection. These special lambs came from a unique flock that was designated for sacrifice at the temple in Jerusalem.
These were not just any sheep, herd or shepherds. The shepherds who kept these sheep were men who were specifically trained for this royal task. These lambs were apparently wrapped in “swaddling clothes” to protect them from injury.
So, the shepherds, informed by the angels, hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger, in the tower of the flock and wrapped in swaddling clothes.
They didn’t have to hunt around to find Jesus, they knew where he would be!
This was a special sheep birthing place where Jesus, “the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world” was born. (John chapter 1 verse 29 and 36). God in His plan could not have chosen a more appropriate place for the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
See: https://bible-truth.org/BirthPlaceofJesus.html for more details