Was jesus born in a cave or stable

The question “Where was Jesus born?” is surprisingly tricky.

Pictures of the cave where jesus was born

The snarky answer is, “In Bethlehem.” Yes, but where? The typical nativity scene features the holy family in a stable that looks like a barn, separate from the Inn, where there was no room. But is this accurate? Most historians and scholars say, “Not so much.”

Since students are growing increasingly cynical about the particulars of the nativity, it’s important to teach it accurately so they can have confidence in the Christmas message. 

What We Know

We know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, there was no room “in the inn,” and that he was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger. 

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloth

jesus stable in bethlehem

jesus born in stable