View source for Advent Dec 18 - Lk 2:7

{{bl| Advent Dec 18 - Lk 2:7 }}

{{bgw| Lu 2:7 }} And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

It is easy to miss things as we read quickly through familiar text.

'Firstborn' by definition is a relational word to more of the same. It is a position of rank over the second and other children.  It is not used of only sons'. The implication is that Mary had other children. 

Jesus is the 'Firstborn of creation' {{bgw| Col 1:15 }} Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  

Mary wrapped him in linens as at his death. Then she laid him in the feeding trough.

Jesus was the 'Mustard'/'bruised' seed from the grass of Day 3. The grass was given to the cattle to eat. So he lies wrapped as a corpse in the grass, in the feeding trough, surrounded by cattle. 

His tribulation is symbolized by grinding the grain and baking it. He will be the bread given for us. At Christmas in the Nativity, he is the baby bread.