The Extraordinary Wrapped In the Ordinary

Advent Day # 12

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. Luke 2:7

The internet is full of meaningful commentary on the swaddling clothes Jesus was wrapped in. Many believe it signifies His purpose to come as the Lamb of God, suggesting that the baby lambs were wrapped as He was wrapped that day. Some compare them to the clothes He would be wrapped in at his burial. However, according to Ezekiel 16:4, swaddling was a common practice in that culture. Strong’s Lexicon confirms, “In ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, swaddling was a customary practice for newborns. It was believed to help the baby feel secure and to promote proper limb development. Swaddling clothes were typically made of linen or wool, and the act of swaddling symbolized care and protection.”

When extra significance is added where the Bible does not specify, perhaps we miss the point God is highlighting. Yes, Jesus was the Lamb of God sent to take away the sins of the world. However, the fact that He came as an ordinary baby who needed the care and protection of a poor, young mother is even more significant. Hebrews 4:14-16 sheds some light on such a humble moment.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

He has felt the cold. He has felt utter helplessness. He has known poverty and hunger. That first Christmas, the Extraordinary was wrapped in the ordinary manner, and He did it to be like us: to feel our struggles and know our infirmities. The significance of such an ordinary moment reminds us that He knows, and He cared enough to do something about it. This is an extraordinary Love wrapped in the ordinary.

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we can sometimes get wrapped up in making everything meaningful and significant. But ordinary moments are significant, too, and just such opportunities can remind us of our humble Savior’s extraordinary love.