Book of Luke - Chapter 2 - Verse 12

This verse from the book of Luke in the Bible serves as a sign given by an angel to shepherds in the fields, informing them of the birth of a special baby. The phrase "wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" holds significant symbolism. The swaddling clothes were a traditional way of wrapping newborns tightly to provide warmth and security, emphasizing the humble and earthly nature of the baby's birth. The manger, or feeding trough for animals, signifies the lowly and unassuming circumstances surrounding the baby's arrival. This verse highlights the extraordinary and miraculous nature of the birth of Jesus, the son of God, who was born in a simple stable instead of a grand palace. It reminds us that God's greatest gift to humanity came in the form of a vulnerable and helpless baby, a sign of hope and salvation for all humankind.

The theological interpretation of the verse 'And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger' is centered around the significance of this specific sign to the shepherds who received it. The use of the term "swaddling clothes" implies that the baby Jesus was wrapped in strips of cloth, a practice common in ancient times to keep newborns secure and calm. This humble setting, with a newborn lying in a manger, highlights the fulfillment of prophecies found in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 7:14 which foretold the birth of a child who would be Immanuel, meaning "God with us." The use of the manger as a crib signifies the meekness and humility of Jesus Christ, who entered the world not as a powerful king but as a vulnerable infant. This sign served to confirm to the shepherds that the Savior they had been awaiting had finally arrived, in a manner that epitomizes God's love and compassion for all.