Although Joseph wasn't happy that they had to succumb to such degradation as to spend the night in a stable and one that was a cave, he was only to happy to give Mary a place to call her own for the night. She was in such pain and despair; her time was now and this was all he had to give her. I am sure Joseph felt, perhaps forgotten. I can imagine he felt in his heart; "Lord, where are you?"
Mary immediately found her place and begin to nest. She fluffed the hay and put new hay in the manger that Joseph placed by her side. The contractions had been pretty close for many hours but God was good and held off the delivery. "Joseph"; Mary called! "Yes, Mary!" "Please Joseph, rub my back, it aches so; I can barely stand it." Joseph kneels down and she lets her body fall back as he begins to massage her back very gently. "While they were there, the time came for her to be delivered." Luke 2:6
Bethlehem is about 5 miles from Jerusalem! The most popular view is from a distance which is across a valley. As you stand just outside of Jerusalem and look across, you can see a small village on a ridge running East and West. It is a picturesque picture; seeing the town with naturally terraced hillsides and especially at night when you see the lights and can't help but think of the song; "O Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie."
Bethlehem means 'house of bread'; Jesus is the bread of life! "But you, O Bethlehem, Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me, one who is to be ruler in Israel." Micah 5:2b Bethlehem was to be the birthplace of hope! David was born in Bethlehem and shepherded his flocks there. Ruth gleaned the fields of Boaz in this area. Since King David, it was has been referred to as the 'City of David'.
There were caves along the ridge, used mainly for sheltering live stock. It is the natural conclusion that the child Jesus was laid in a manger in one of these caves. The Catholic church under Constantine had the 'Church of the Nativity' built over one of these caves in which is a star bearing the inscription; "Here Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary." Of course this place has no proof but then no place has this proof.
Israel was noted for its hospitality. Often travelers stayed in the homes of friends, relatives or even strangers. However, the history of the public inns goes back before Christ. During the Roman empire, inn's were mainly used to supply food and fresh mounts for the couriers. Sounds very much like our pony express.
Most inns were full service facilities, pretty much like our motels today. Today you get breakfast, but in some you can get three meals for a price and can even do your laundry. In Bethlehem the inns were strategically located at well traveled intersections. They would offer care for animals plus food; beds; baths and other traveler's needs. Large caravans were welcomed; so no wonder Joseph didn't think anything about lodging in Bethlehem.
Not all inns were acceptable because some of their services included women of the night and a place for a den of thieves to meet and re-coop. Many a weary traveler was robbed or even murdered in a place of lodging where he thought he would be safe.
The actual inn in Bethlehem where Mary and Joseph sought shelter is uncertain. But because he had a stable, we assume it was a regular inn, very popular and this night, very full! Because the stable was connected to the inn, we can assume that the animals were not necessarily the innkeepers but belonged to his customers. God's plan was in full swing, for He would be born in a stable! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/17/09
(Information re Inns and Jerusalem taken from Today's Handbook of Bible Times and Customs)
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