Hi Brad! Love your teachings and looking forward to “The Sacred Thread” series! I have been told that the locals in Bethlehem believe it is most likely Jesus was born at Migdal Eder or the Tower of the Flock. This watchtower from ancient times was used by the shepherds for protection from their enemies and wild beasts who stalked the flocks. It was also where they brought the ewes to deliver their lambs. Unspotted and unblemished lambs were born, swaddled in cloths, and consecrated for sacrifice. Swaddling cloths or bands intended to protect the chosen sacrificial lambs hung on posts and were used on this holy night to cover and warm the baby Jesus. So, it makes sense that Jesus was the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. The Levitical shepherds who watched over the lambs and sheep in the fields and hills near the Tower of Flocks would have been well acquainted with the prophecies concerning the birth of the Messiah and knew exactly where they would find the baby. Micah 4:8 “And thou, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.” What are your thoughts?

Interesting podcast, Brad. How about Justin’s record (~150 AD) that “since Joseph could not find a lodging in that village, he took up his quarters in a certain cave near the village”? Also, I appreciate your statement on the importance of hospitality in the culture, but there are many instances in the gospels of refused hospitality. Is it that unreasonable to think that Joseph and Mary were refused room in the kataluma because of their perceived sinful behavior? Thanks for doing this series!