Swaddling Clothes - More Than Strips of Cloth

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Have you ever wondered why Mary wrapped baby Jesus in swaddling clothes? Just this past week, I was studying the story of Jesus' birth and came across some interesting facts about swaddling clothes.

Swaddling Clothes

First, I was amazed to find out that Mary didn't wrap Jesus in swaddling clothes because they were poor. Instead, it was a custom during that time to wrap newborn babies in these strips of cloth to ensure their arms and legs would grow straight. 

Not only that, rich babies were also washed in salted water before being wrapped in swaddling clothes to symbolize their integrity and truthfulness.

It was said that if a child was not swaddled when he was born, the parents had abused the child. 

Today, we have a form of swaddling for our babies. Think about it - when babies are born, the nurse wraps the baby up tightly in a warm blanket. This form of swaddling is more to help the baby feel safe and secure and not to ensure straight legs and arms. 

Was there more to why Mary wrapped baby Jesus in swaddling clothes? You bet there was. 

When the angels appear to the shepherds to tell them of the birth of Jesus, they say...

Luke 2:12 KJV

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

One reason Mary wrapped the baby Jesus in swaddling clothes was because God would use it as a sign for the shepherds.

God uses all things big and small including us. Sometimes we may not feel worthy or wonder what we have to offer, but not matter how big or small something is, it can be used to move mountains for God if he chooses..

Remember, God even knows when a sparrow falls from the sky, so you can be sure he knows your needs and the needs of others and sometimes he may use you to fulfill a greater purpose.

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