So I read some interesting ideas regarding the potential symbolism of swaddling clothes today. So I thought I would share!
The question that most of the historians posed was "If swaddling clothes were a common way of dressing a baby during Jesus' time, why would they be a significant 'sign' for the shepherds? (Luke 2:12 - And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger)." Another common question was, "Out of anyone that could have been chosen, why would the angel choose first to appear to local shepherds to announce Christ's birth?"
One historian stated that is it tradition to believe that the shepherds in the area at the time were actually rabbinical shepherds responsible for overseeing the births of sacrificial lambs. During Jesus' time, shepherds would actually "swaddle" first born lambs right after birth to ensure they didn't hurt themselves, because it was required that they be without blemish. It would have been very significant and personal for these special shepherds to make the connection between their sacrificial lambs, and the birth of the Lamb of God who would one day sacrifice himself for them and all mankind.
Another suggested that it was more likely Jesus was born in a cave, rather than a stable, because this is where they commonly kept their animals. One tradition teaches that Jesus was born in a birthing cave - a cave where shepherds took their sheep to give birth to the sacrificial lambs. There would have been "swaddling" materials there for Mary and Joseph to wrap Jesus in, with the same symbolism prevailing.
Last of all, another theologian took a different approach and suggested that Joseph and Mary wrapped Jesus in their own burial clothes - a symbol of his ultimate sacrifice and death. According to the Law of Moses, after someone died they were to be buried quickly. When people traveled, they would often wear strips of material around their waist that could be used as burial clothing were they to pass away while away from home. This historian suggested that these long, narrow strips of clothing - which is the definition of "swaddling clothes" - could have been used to swaddle the baby Jesus after his birth.
