Historical facts differ from the manger scene that is popular during Christmas
The Baby Jesus was probably born in the bottom level fo a house and not a stable or cave.
Jewish homes were different than what has been portrayed
Most television shows and movies about the first Christmas show the Jewish people living in dwellings with only one floor. Manger scenes depict Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in a stable. These are the traditions that have been passed down for centuries but what if historically they are inorrect?
In 1584 Spaniard Francisco Sánchez de las Brozas, proposed an interesting theory according to The Guardian regarding the location of Christ's birth. The idea was dismissed at that time but today additional research and the Internet have led to it being re-examined by Greek scholars and historians.
Was Jesus born in a cave, a manger, or a house?
The website Youth Pastor Theologian agrees with de las Brozas that during the time Jesus was born, the homes in Bethlehem had a bottom level where animals were kept out of the cold. There was also an upstairs or an upper room where families lived.
This suggests that Jesus was not born in a manger in a stable or cave as has been depicted in television, film, and books. He more than likely was born in the bottom level of a house in a manger where the animals were kept. Joseph and Mary are portrayed as traveling to Bethlehem and being turned away by an Innkeeper who had no room for them when she went into labor.
Historians and de Las Brozas believe that they went to the home of family members but the top floor was filled with relations who had traveled to Bethlehem for the census. Jesus is believed to have been born in the lower level with the animals.
There is agreement on this probability
After the other guests left, Mary, Joseph, and their Son went upstairs to live until all of the 40-day purification rites for Mary were completed. The Reason for Hope website also suggests that this is the most likely scenario to have taken place.
Historical records and archeological findings confirm that first-century Jewish homes were constructed with an upper room guest chamber and a lower level for sheltering animals, especially during the cold winter months.
No room in the Inn translates to no room in the house
The Anglican Connection reveals that the popular Christmas phrase "No room in the Inn" in Greek does not mean a hotel as has been believed over the centuries but refers to a guest room like the upper room which is where the Last Supper was held.
Dr. Michael Lefevre agrees that Jesus was probably born in a relative's house where Joseph had intended to stay while obeying the census. This narrative challenges the view Joseph and Mary were out in the night knocking on innkeepers' doors only to be turned away as she began labor.
Misinformation has been passed down through the centuries
Joseph leaving Nazareth for Bethlehem with a pregnant wife who was about to give birth without a plan or any provision, running around looking for lodging sounds irresponsible. Staying at the home of relatives in the bottom level because there was no room upstairs sounds reasonable.
Lefevre says the misinformation that has been passed down through the ages regarding the birth of Jesus was a result of a lack of understanding of Jewish customs at that time.
Miscommunication is why some people to day say December 25th is the birth date of Christ when that is not accurate. The date was chosen for the purpose of getting focus away from Winter Solstice. Over time people began saying this was His birthday bu that was not what happened in the beginning.
Most people who have manger scenes and Nativities have been doing it so long this information may not matter. It's here, however for those who want to know historical facts about the first Christmas.
people began saying.
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Cheryl E Preston
Cheryl enjoys writing about current events, soap spoilers and baby boomer nostalgia. Tips are greatly appreciated.
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