The Manger Mystery

We are so used to hearing and singing that Jesus was born in a manger. But that is not what the Bible says.

What is a manger anyway? A manger is a wooden or stone feeding trough or simply described as ‘food box’ that holds hay for larger farm animals like cattle, horses, and donkeys. Mangers were located wherever livestock were kept and were filled with fodder for the livestock.

Now imagine giving birth to a baby in such a feeding through? Pretty uncomfortable, right? Thankfully, the Bible does not mention that Jesus was “born” in a manger. What the Bible mentions is that Jesus was ‘laid’ in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes. This could have been for warmth and protection. Now that’s one misconception cleared! 

Bible reference: Luke 2