Being a parent of six teaches you to draw on the Wisdom of the ages. It is impossible to count how many times a baby had trouble sleeping. New parents may find it strange, but swaddling their baby in a burrito-style wrap often works—the practice of swaddling dates back thousands of years. Parents have used baby swaddles for centuries to soothe, protect, and get their babies to Sleep. Around the 1970s, interest in its soothing properties revived after falling out of favor in the 18th century. Symbolically and practically, swaddling clothes hold significant meaning in the Gospel of Luke. This method is more than a way to calm a fussy baby. Now, let's get into the details:

Practical Aspect

In ancient times, swaddling was a common practice. To keep the baby warm and secure, long strips of cloth were wrapped around it. During this time, the baby's limbs grew healthy and were less likely to be startled. Scholars and saints have interpreted the reference to swaddling clothes as a foreshadowing of Jesus' death.

In one of his homilies in the 4th century, St. Gregory Nazianzen said, “He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, but He took off the swaddling bands of death by rising again.”

In early Christian iconography, Jesus is often depicted swaddled like a mummy. Traditionally, Jews wrapped the legs of lambs that would be sacrificed in the Temple as part of their religious tradition. This action further emphasizes Jesus's identity as the sacrificed “Lamb of God.”

Others believed the swaddling clothes represented Jesus' second coming. A commentary on the Book of Daniel made this connection in the 4th century by St. Cyril of Jerusalem.

In addition to one advent, we also preach a second advent, far more glorious than the first… For all things are, in many cases, twofold in Christ: a twofold generation, one of God, before the ages, and a second generation, of a Virgin, at the end of those ages: He descends twofold: the unnoticed, like rain on a fleece; and His open coming, which is yet to come. In His first advent, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes in the manger; in His second, He covers Himself in light.

This observation by St. Cyril reinforces the two spiritual themes of the Advent season: Jesus' first coming at Bethlehem and his second coming at the end of the world.

Luke 2:7 mentions this practice, where Mary wraps Jesus in swaddling clothes and lays him in a manger. As described in Luke 2:12, the angels refer to this as a sign for the shepherds, indicating swaddling clothes and laying him in a manger. Shepherds are again referred to as being given a sign by the angels in Luke 2:1-21.

Symbolic Aspect

The reference to swaddling cloths in Luke's Gospel is more than a practical detail; it holds profound symbolic significance:

1. Connection to Old Testament Imagery:

Ezekiel 16:1-5: This passage depicts Jerusalem as an abandoned baby, neither swaddled nor cared for, symbolizing its desolation and God's eventual rescue and covenant with the city.

o “1 Again the word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, make known to Jerusalem her abominations, 3 and say, Thus says the Lord God to Jerusalem: Your origin and your birth are of the land of the Canaanites; your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. 4 And as for your birth, on the day you were born your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to cleanse you, nor rubbed with salt, nor wrapped in swaddling cloths.5 No eye pitied you, to do any of these things to you out of compassion for you, but you were cast out on the open field, for you were abhorred, on the day that you were born.” (ESV)

The swaddling of Jesus symbolizes God's care and fulfillment of His promise to Israel.

Solomon's wisdom and kingship are swaddled in Wisdom 7:4.

3. Messianic Fulfillment:

Swaddling cloths are also associated with the Jewish custom of sacrificial lambs, reinforcing Jesus' role as a sacrificed lamb.

The Significance of the Sign

The angels emphasize God's promise and the Messiah's arrival as they announce the swaddling cloths to the shepherds. Jesus' humble beginnings illustrate God's redemptive plan for mankind.

In summary, Luke's Gospel provides great insight into the meaning of swaddling cloths. These symbols of care, fulfillment of prophecy, and foreshadowing of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice foreshadow the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Luke's narrative is woven with profound theological themes.

Originally Published on https://www.becomingbridgebuilders.org/blog

Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney

Rev. Dr. Byrene Haney is a dedicated and experienced pastor with over 31 years of service in multi-ethnic urban congregations. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA, and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. And a Doctorate of Education from Concordia Univerisity, Irvine, CA. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles, including Senior Pastor at Gospel Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI, and Mission Facilitator for the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS.

Currently, Rev. Dr. Haney serves as Assistant to the President in the Iowa District West, where he assists congregations with strategic planning, visioning, outreach, and fostering a culture of generosity and human care. His commitment to connecting faith with community needs and crises has significantly impacted the congregations he serves.