Luke 2:12

12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:12 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 2:12

And this shall be a sign unto you
When they should come to Bethlehem, and to the inn where Joseph and Mary were:

ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a
manger;
for though there might be many other children, in the inn, yet none else in swaddling clothes, at least lying in a manger: this sign would distinguish the new born Saviour from all others; had not the angel given them this direction, they would never have thought to have looked for, and found: him in such a place: and moreover, it might have been a stumbling to them, and an objection with them against his being Christ, the Lord, had they not been told beforehand where he was; but by this means this objection was prevented, and this stumbling block was removed out of the way, and they were prepared to see him, embrace, and believe in him, in this mean condition.

Luke 2:12 In-Context

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:

11 Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!

12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!”