Was it a wonderful time for Mary and Joseph when Jesus was born, knowing that there was no time to physically prepare for the birth?
It’s getting more real, and some people may be in panic mode today. The countdown to Christmas is here! And if you missed the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, you might be pinching yourself so hard for not getting into the fray for the best deals and buys at giveaway prices.
Is Christmas really the most wonderful time of the year? The late Andy Williams has been singing it to us annually and his music continues to bring cheer during the season. An e-newsletter even reminds us of Christmas as a wonderful time with these words: “The twinkling lights of Christmas are up in the shopping malls, songs of Christmas are being played in public places or our playlist…It is a magical time of year…” And Hallmark did not stop at just creating beautiful cards for us to buy. They embarked on film production bringing us the hopeful stories of broken relationships restored in love and new beginnings at this wonderful, magical time of the year. And we can watch these movies wearing our comfy pajamas while covered in warm blankets and sipping our hot cocoa on special mugs courtesy of, yes, more Hallmark products!
Without dampening the spirit of Christmas, was it a wonderful time for Mary and Joseph? How did they prepare?
It was very clear that Mary and Joseph didn’t have the chance to plan for their baby’s arrival. The first registration was decreed by Quirinius, who was then the governor of Syria. “And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph went also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth” (Luke 2:3-6).
No nursery shopping in between rests. No baby showers to add to the excitement of Mary and Joseph. There was only the discomfort of traveling 94 miles between Nazareth and Bethlehem. (A side note: someone attempted to walk this distance and said that the one-way travel took a total of 6.25 days.) There was no way Joseph would be lugging more stuff with him and the pregnant Mary.
Let’s focus on some realities that took place thousands of years ago when the baby Jesus arrived in contrast to what moms and dads prepare for today:
Jesus' Baby Clothes
First, Jesus’s outfit. “And [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him swaddling cloths” (Luke 2:7). And the angels announced to the shepherds in the field the same: “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths” (v.12). Wikipedia said that “swaddling is an ancient practice of wrapping infants in blankets or similar cloths,” restricting movements of the infant’s limbs. The warmth and feeling of security will allow the baby to sleep better.
This is not about the act of swaddling itself; it’s about the cloths used for swaddling. Jesus, most likely, did not wear anything underneath the cloths like what infants wear today. No cute design. No name brand. Nothing washed with hypoallergenic laundry soap. It was probably as organic as we can imagine today—some coarse woven textile, not 100% Egyptian cotton or silk. It would be a modern mother’s nightmare!
Shopping for newborns today means going beyond the ever-reliable onesies. You can purchase three-piece outfits and suits, complete with vests. You want some fur? No problem! You want animal outfits? You can make a little “dinosaur” or “unicorn” out of your babe!
Jesus' Sleeping Arrangements
Second, Jesus’s crib and mattress. “[Mary] laid him in a manger” (v.2). Again, the angels confirmed this to the shepherds: “…you will find a baby…lying in a manger” (v.12). In today’s DIY and upcycling, this cradle sounds awesome. But probably not when you know that it was still being used as a feed trough for animals until you laid your baby in it. And don’t forget that it was probably softened by hay or straw.
Do you know that buying a baby crib and a mattress is almost like buying one for an adult? Too many considerations! Breathable crib mattress or dual-sided memory foam? A modern, traditional, or glam crib? All these products need to pass not only the Products Safety Commission but also the new parents' meticulous design ideas and budget. It’s insane!
Jesus' Nursery
Third, Jesus’s room. We know that Jesus didn’t really have a room for it was said, “there was no place for [Mary and Joseph] in the inn” (v.7). The manger was in a stable, where animals were kept and fed. It would be a smelly place, not fit as a sleeping quarter for a human unless you have no choice…just like Mary and Joseph. And not for a baby…unless you are parents seeking shelter.
In about the seventh month of pregnancy, today’s moms are excitedly preparing the nursery—picking the perfect color palette, deciding either to have a nursery theme, an accent wall, or a gallery wall. And don’t forget the lights to make that baby room extra cute!
Was it a wonderful time for Mary and Joseph when Jesus was born, knowing that there was no time to physically prepare for the birth? It sure was! Their long-awaited Son, whose birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel, finally arrived. It was a joyful moment confirmed by the visit of the shepherds, who made known to them what had been told to them by the angel of the Lord: “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” (vv.10-11). And it was said that “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (v.19).
It's not really about this time of the year, but the very person of Jesus Christ who makes any season most wonderful! He is Christ the Lord, our Savior!
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/jchizhe
Luisa Collopy is an author, speaker and a women’s Bible study teacher. She also produces Mula sa Puso (From the Heart) in Tagalog (her heart language), released on FEBC Philippines stations. Luisa loves spending time with her family over meals and karaoke!
