The image of a wooden barn containing a wee lassie and her man sitting beside a manger, donkeys and sheep all around, has been with us for many years. However, those who have researched this now tell us more information. The word translated as 'Inn,' was incorrect, not just because such places did not exist in the Middle East, it actually refers to a house. This makes sense as the couple would go straight to the family headquarters in Bethlehem.
Once there, it is likely that a crowded house would mean 'making do,' and no doubt many a child was born rough circumstances in days of yore. Here we see an example of a Judean house of the time, the family living upstairs, the animals below. The rock around there is quite often contains many caves, it is possible one could be used for the animals, or indeed as a place to live. Whether their stable, and the use of a manger a receptacle for animal feed, indicates a stable, was below the house or next to it, or in a cave, we do not know, but we know he was born in a stable.
Mary would not be alone there, I suggest the women would offer help, especially those trained or experienced in childbirth, and the family would come together to help. Nonetheless, a young couple, visited by shepherds and Magi, carrying a baby announced by an angel, would be keeping their knowledge to themselves and trusting their God for leading.
What a couple Mary and Joseph were!
The baby was born to offer himself to God for us.
He lived and died for you and me. He calls us all to know him, not as a baby, but as a God.
Choose him.
Life may get harder, but it will be abundant.
