Nougat 24

In the previous Nougat, we noted the special connection between Jesus and the shepherds who visited him in infancy. Our aim however, was to examine, if possible, the significance of the angels’ message to the shepherds. Let’s jump right in to consider Today’s Holy Nougat.

Luke 2:8, 10, 12, 17-18 NIV

[8] And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

[10] But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

[12] This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

[17] When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, [18] and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Good News … With Proof 2

It is believed that shepherds were common folk at the time of Jesus’ birth. One theologian argues that they were treated similarly to tax collectors. They were despised. Unlike tax collectors, however, shepherds spent most of their time outdoors tending animals, not fleecing taxpayers (though it is believed that some were dishonest).

A census would introduce many strangers into each city, increasing the need for vigilance over livestock. It is possible that they were sleep-deprived. If that were the case, they might not have had many reasons to be joyful. In fact, when Pax Romana, census taking, and enforced travel were combined, good news was likely to be scarce for many, not only the shepherds.

The angels’ news of the promised king would probably be welcomed by all. It didn’t necessarily mean that statuses would change, however, the return to being an independent nation would have been great news to the shepherds.

Self-Check

What constitutes great news for us today? Why?

Digging Deeper

The angels didn’t stop at proclaiming the good news. They also proposed that it would be positively received because of the signs. That is, the signs of swaddling cloths and a manger. Siblings, this year those two items have caught my attention more than before. The responses from my extra research weren’t all plausible, although one confirmed a theory that I’d considered. What I now offer are my own theories, which are not necessarily backed by others, and another popular theory. I’ll begin with the popular theory.

Swaddling Cloths were used to wrap a newborn as part of the effort to support bone development. I’ve read that it has become popular again. Exegetes note that swaddling cloths are mentioned in Ezekiel and the extrabiblical text, the Wisdom of Solomon. In Ezekiel 16:1-5, the reference suggests that a swaddled baby was cherished and well cared for. Jerusalem, was not. The theory proposed is that the sign of the swaddling cloth was a clear indication that a new order was established. The Wisdom of Solomon text (7:1-6), speaks to the commonality of kings and peasants – birth and death.

What I’ve stitched from the theories is that this new order for Jerusalem echoes Isaiah 40:1-2. The glory, majesty, and splendour were revealed through the swaddled cloth metaphor. It may be eisegesis (that is, my very own incorrect biblical interpretation vs exegesis which is backed by scholars), but I also recall that Isaiah 40 is included in Advent texts. Under Pax Romana, the cloths would be a joyful confirmation of the baby being the Messiah.

The other thought I had about the swaddling cloth is actually (slightly) linked to the Wisdom text. Some exegetical writings confirm my theory that the swaddling cloths also prefigured the Messiah’s death, more so, His resurrection. They note the presence of ‘swaddled’ linen cloths which were used as part of the burial ritual, and at His resurrection, the cloths were folded because they were empty.

Solomon’s reference to swaddling cloths reiterates the premise of a new order. However, his reference to life and death (humanity’s common departure), may be considered as a reference to Christ’s death. For me, that hint corroborates the exegetes’ theory regarding the swaddling cloths as predicting His death and resurrection. Of course, that would not have been clear to the shepherds at that moment.

Whether my theories are correct or not, one thing is certain – the cloths held extreme significance as they were mentioned twice in Luke 2. Perhaps it is not just the swaddling cloths, but the fact of His being found in a manger while being swaddled. But that, my dear siblings, is for another day’s reflection.

Point to Ponder

If my theories hold true for you, can you find joy in the Messiah wrapped in swaddling cloths?

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May all we seek be found in Christ