Why A Barn ?

[Odë:hgöd]

.
The Greek word translated manger can also indicate a stall (Luke 13:15) which
describes a cage where beasts not only have a place to lie down (usually on straw)
but also easy access to their fodder via a box built on to one end, or side, of their
accommodations.

The box is situated outside the cage and accessed by the animal via enough space
between the cage's slats for an animal's head to slip thru so the beast can reach its
food. I've seen arrangements like that at dairy farms and other facilities too.

Now; seeing as how it was God who planned Mary's pregnancy, then He could've
easily timed it so baby Jesus would be born at home instead of out of town. God
also could've manipulated the availability of adequate housing in Bethlehem
but didn't.

It's as if God was determined that baby Jesus be born in rudimentary conditions
instead of something a bit more comfortable and a whole lots more sanitary.
_

 

[Fritz Kobus]

Before I was a Christian I always thought a manger was like a barn or animal shed or stall. I had no idea it was a feed trough.

 

[tango]

If Jesus came to serve rather than to be served it makes sense that his life as a human should begin in a setting fit for the lowliest servant rather than one fit for a king.

 

[Odë:hgöd]

.
According to Ps 110:4, Jesus was on track to become a high priest.

Well; according to Heb 2:16-18, priests have to be "merciful" which is translated
from a Greek word relating to compassion. Someone who's lived a privileged life is
likely not going to relate well to normal folks who suffer the slings and arrows of
outrageous fortune on a regular basis.

Below are some lyrics borrowed from a very sensitive song by the Canadian
performer Gordon Lightfoot that tells me quite a bit about Jesus in the performance
of his priesthood.

Rainy day people always seem to know when it's time to call.
Rainy day people don't talk, they just listen till they've heard it all.
Rainy day lovers don't lie when they tell 'ya they've been down like you.
Rainy day people don't mind if you're cryin' a tear or two.

Jesus is often depicted by artists as an attractive man but the Bible portrays him as
just another unremarkable skull in the gene pool who knows what it's like to be
marginalized.

"There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract
us to him. He was despised and rejected-- a man of sorrows, acquainted with
bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went
by. He was despised, and we did not care." (Isa 53:2-3)
_

 

[Fritz Kobus]

.
According to Ps 110:4, Jesus was on track to become a high priest.

Not "a high priest" but THE HIGH PRIEST. He is a high priest of a wholly different order those of Israel.

 

[Josiah]

The text isn't clear if Jesus was born were animals were present.

As I understand it, the oldest tradition is that He was born in a cave (not barn) in which there were animals present (The Church of the Nativity is build over this cave) but that's tradition and not stated in Scripture.

As to possible symbols of such, others above have well stated this.


Blessings on your Christmas season


- Josiah




.

 

[Spindle4]

According to Ps 110:4, Jesus was on track to become a high priest.

Ouch. Mangled theology.

 

[Faithhopeandcharity]

There as no room at the inn!

the census demanded you go to your ancestral home town to be registered
And Christ must be born in Bethlehem (house of bread) to fulfill the scripture and prophecy

the inns had barns nearby to keep the travelers animals, since the inns were full they stayed in a manger! The holy family always lived in poverty in keeping with the gospel

who made the first nativity scene?
What is the oldest Christmas carol?