The first Christmas involved baby Jesus placed in a manger on the ground floor of David's ancestral home in Bethlehem because the upstairs "guest room" was full. As recorded in Scripture, the first time the word manger is referenced to Christ is in Luke 2:7, which reads, "And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." So, yes, Mary placed her newborn son, Jesus, in a feeding trough. Where was Jesus born, why was He laid in a manger, and what does the Bible say about His early years in Bethlehem and Nazareth? Explore the full biblical meaning of Jesus' birthplace and upbringing.
The story of Jesus's birth in a humble manger is one of the most iconic images in Christianity. But where exactly was this manger located? If you're short on time, here's a quick answer: Most scholars believe Jesus was born in a cave that was used to shelter animals in Bethlehem. Away In A Manger by David Padfield Can you identify the object in the above photograph? It is a manger, like the one our Savior was placed in as a baby.
The Real Jesus – Basic Skills
Luke tells us that Mary "brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7). We imagine a quaint wooden manger, glowing with warmth and wonder. But that's not the picture Luke gives us.
Luke says Jesus was wrapped in pieces of cloth - strips of fabric, more like rags than a baby blanket. And the manger? Not a charming wooden cradle, but a rough feeding trough used by farm animals. The manger shows that the Savior identifies with the weak, the weary, and the common people of the world.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-543346799-589c87a53df78c4758e72335.jpg)
Was Jesus Really Born in a Manger? | Catholic Answers Magazine
The manger shows that the gospel is available to all. Had Jesus been born in a palace, only the wealthy and influential would have approached Him. Instead, His birthplace was open to shepherds, travelers, and the simplest of people.
The picture of a manger is an iconic representation of the birth of Jesus Christ. It depicts a humble stable where Mary and Joseph sought shelter after their journey to Bethlehem for the census. In the manger, a feeding trough for animals, baby Jesus was laid after his birth.
Premium Photo | Jesus in the Manger A Peaceful Scene with Baby Jesus
Significance of the Manger The manger holds great significance in the Christian tradition, symbolizing. Manger scenes displayed around Christmastime usually feature an ox and an ass beside the infant Jesus. According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary placed her child in a manger.
The Manger by Willie Mciver Dec 7, 2025 News 0 comments Last week, we told you about the City of Bethlehem and how Jesus came about being born in Bethlehem. Now, we are going to tell you about the exact place he was born in Bethlehem and why. That place was a stable and in a manger.