Cloths of Christmas and Easter

 

As I reflected what to write on this Advent season, I thought I would share the similarities between Christmas and Easter.  Yes, they both involved Jesus, but there are other poignant similarities that were shared on both of these sacred historical events.  Today, let us focus on the cloths.

Every vision I have of Jesus being born is the swaddling cloths that Jesus was wrapped in by Mary.  Many of us mothers can certainly relate to swaddling a blanket around our babies, ensuring their sense of security and warmth as they transition from the womb to the world.  Mary was no different.   In Biblical times, swaddling  cloths were many times strips of linen that were wrapped around the newborn child.   As Mary's baby was born, she wrapped him in cloths to lay him in the manger.  She also provided him security, warmth, and the transition.  In Jesus' case, His transition was so much more as he lowered himself to Earth for us.

As we move forward 33 years, we see cloths being used for a completely different reason for Jesus.  

 

In this case, Jesus is now wrapped up in strips of linen once again.  Yet, not for security and warmth, but upon his death.  The custom of wrapping a body who had died in cloths with spices is part of the Jewish custom.  The cloths that had once wrapped Jesus when he was born are seen once again as he died on the cross for all of our sins.  Swaddling cloths are used to keep the baby confined upon birth.  We know from scripture that the cloths used to wrap Jesus' body upon his death could not confine him.

"He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head.  The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen." (John 20: 6-7).  The linens were there, but Jesus was not.

The cloths of Christmas and Easter provide us a wonderful image of Jesus.  Upon Jesus' birth, he shows us that he is like any other infant in need of swaddling cloths.  Upon Jesus' death, he shows us that he is our Mighty Lord, breaking the bonds of the burial linens to rise from the dead.  As we enter this Advent season, may we draw on Jesus' strength and love.  Peace~

Dearest Jesus, thank you for the beautiful images of the cloths used in your birth and death.  Your love for us has you leaving your heavenly home for earth.  May we hold close to the security the cloths provide for us - as you hold us close to you like swaddling cloths and as the cloths laid in the empty tomb for our salvation. Amen~~