Concerning the location of Jesus’ birth, the Bible clearly says that it was in Bethlehem. It also says that because the inn in Bethlehem was full, Jesus wound up being born in a manger. Though the Bible doesn’t specifically mention animals being there, we commonly picture the manger surrounded by animals. That’s a logical assumption. A manger, synonymous with a trough or feeding-box, implies the presence of animals.

Also common is the popular assumption that the inn was a type of commercial hotel, and that the manger was at a separate location away from the inn, perhaps in a barn. However, that might not be the case. I just learned that the Greek word translated as “inn” – kataluma – can also be translated as “guest room.”

That means that instead of a full inn, it could have been a private home that was full of guests. And in that case, the manger could have been in an attachment to the house. That’s because, in those days, animals were kept in a lower level of the house or were kept in the rear of the house behind a wall that separated the house from front to back.

On top of that, there is another theory concerning Jesus’ birth shelter. The prophet Micah predicted the Messiah’s city of birth (Micah 5: 2). He also said the following in 4: 8. “As for you, watchtower of the flock [Hebrew, Migdol Eder], stronghold of Daughter Zion, the former dominion will be restored to you; kingship will come to Daughter Jerusalem”

Migdol Elder, in the northern part of Bethlehem, was a watchtower. Underneath was a place where the shepherds sheltered newborn lambs that were later used as Temple sacrifices. If Jesus were born there, it would certainly be appropriate since He was the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. This theory also serves as an explanation as to why – after being told by the heralding angel about the baby Jesus wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger (Luke 2: 10-12) – the shepherds knew exactly where to find Him (Luke 2: 15).

Of course, mentioning these possible locations of the manger in Bethlehem is nothing but conjecture. I bring it up simply as something interesting to think about. It is not meant to add to or take away from the important certainty that under humble circumstances, Jesus was born as our Savior.