Was Jesus Born in a Stable?
A friend thought I would be interested in a reflection (or perhaps more accurately, a Biblical exegesis) by Fr. Michael Wood, a Russian Orthodox Priest from Scotland ( see here ). Indeed, I found his perspective powerful, new and enlightening, so much so I felt it was worth sharing here: As we near Christmas, lets look at what the Bible ACTUALLY says: Where, exactly was Jesus born? In a dirty stable behind an inn? Well, no actually, a careful reading of the prophet Micah and the Gospels says otherwise. The shepherds to whom the announcement was made by the angels were not ordinary shepherds. These were employees of the Temple and their sheep were for Temple sacrifice. The sheep pens at Bethlehem were known to be Temple sheepyards. They were walled and had watchtowers because the sheep were prime stock – unblemished – and attractive to steal. The prophet Micah 4:8 states, “And thou, O tower of the flock (Migdal Edar), the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it co...
