The Nativity

In the top section, we see Joseph keeping watch. Mary and Jesus are exhausted after the birth. The ox and donkey are a reference to Isaiah 1:3 “The ox knows its master, the donkey it’s owner’s manger.”

There are many caves in the region of Bethlehem and most likely the stable was a cave. Archeologists have found carved stone mangers in Israel.

Jesus is wrapped in swaddling clothes. Notice the similarity between swaddling clothes and how bodies were wrapped for burial in ancient times. The stone manger brings to mind a grave-like structure and all of this is in a cave. Jesus’ earthly life began and ended in a cave. So already at Jesus’ birth, we see hints of why Jesus entered our world. He came to suffer and die for our sins. 

Below we see the angel bringing news of great joy. A Savior has been born. It is the beginning of a new day for mankind.