Were You Born In A Barn?!

As I was doing chores tonight, my mind was occupied with thoughts of the very first Christmas.

No, we don't know if it really was December 25th.

And I don't really care.

Those logistics and petty details of the story are not what matter.

The STORY is what is important...

Can you imagine a barn in your mind right now?

It wasn't as nice as the barns we have today though.

They were simple shelters for the animals to get out of the elements.

They were most likely drafty.

They had an odor to them.

Anyone who has been in a barn - any kind of barn - I'm sure has smelled something that wasn't pleasant.

It goes with the territory.

People always make the comment that THIS was where He was born.

In a BARN.

Like it's a bad place.

I'm not sure that the Inns in those days were much better...

I mean, look at the castles people lived in - drafty and cold.

I'm sure that there was a large gathering of people in Bethlehem at that time (remember, Caesar had ordered all people to return to the place of their birth to be taxed) so the inns were full of people.

People who were NOT happy about bring taxed; and having to make such a long journey to get there.

I'm sure there were many arguments going on and possible brawls.

Probably a lot of eating and drinking too.

The inn was not quiet.

And as far as odors go, I'm sure there was a stench from people who hadn't taken baths in months; and all that drinking and eating...I'll leave that to your imagination.

Would you want to give birth in such a place??

I think I would have PREFERRED the barn!

Our barn is newer than that barn of old but it's still a bit drafty - fresh air can circulate through that way.

Our barn has an odor - all barns do.

Our barn is quiet - once the animals have been fed, they settle right down.

Sure, it's not the most sanitary place.

Nevertheless, I'd say for back then, it was better than most for her to give birth.

She had clean straw or hay to lay on.

There was plenty of clean water - the animals didn't mind sharing.

If it was a chilly night, the animals would have helped as space heaters.

And as for the Baby's visitors, do you think the shepherds would have been allowed in the inn?

People may scoff at where He was born.

They may say that the innkeeper and the rest of the people were dreadful in turning the couple away.

They may say that if THEY had been around back then He would have had the best of the best; they would have seen to it.

But honestly, I cannot think of a better place for the Savior of our world to be born.