It is believed that Jesus was born in the area of Migdal Edar (Micah 4:8, Micah 5:2), mentioned in scripture as being called "tower of the flock", located a little north of Bethlehem. The watch tower provided safety for the shepherd's flocks, as well as a place for ewes to birth lambs that were for the purpose of temple sacrifice in Jerusalem (Edersheim, Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah). The newborn lambs were to be unblemished, so they were wrapped in swaddling cloths for protection. It was in the area of the temple flocks that Jesus, the Lamb of God, was born in one of the caves used as a stable, and was wrapped in swaddling cloths and placed in a manger (Luke 2:7), or feeding trough. It was fitting that the temple flock shepherds were the first to receive the announcement of His birth, as it was their job to protect the unblemished sacrificial lambs. Jesus' birth in a stable was a sign and fulfillment of an Old Testament messianic prophecy.
~ glorysong
~ glorysong