Soul Evolution—Delivered in a Manger

Text

Luke 2:1-7 Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the oity of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child. And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. because there was no room for them in the inn.

Interpretation

Joseph and Mary represent wisdom and love, which have been ideas in mind, but are now to bring forth a manifestation in substance. Going up to Jerusalem to be enrolled, as was the custom in that day, illustrates the conformity to manmade law. “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” Swaddling clothes were bands of cloth in which it was customary to wrap young children. These swaddling clothes represent the confinement to the limitations of the physical nature (“manger”) of this first emanation of Divine Life, “there being no room for them in the inn” (outer consciousness).