The answer is: Swaddling clothes

Luke 2:7 - When a Jewish child was born, it was usual for it to be washed in water, rubbed in salt and wrapped in swaddling clothes, which are bands or blankets that confined the limbs closely. (Ezek 16:4)

When Jesus took his first breaths in that humble setting, he was not snug in a futuristic crib but wrapped in swaddling clothes. These strips of cloth were common in Jewish culture, used to give newborns a sense of comfort and security. Imagine that: even the Messiah started life in the humblest of circumstances, bundled up like every other child.

Swaddling clothes were not just practical; they held deep significance. They were a symbol of care, a reflection of parental love. This custom harkens back to practices mentioned in scriptures, including how newborns were often washed, salted (which might seem odd at first), and swaddled to signify a new beginning. Naturally, this points to the sacred connection between family and faith throughout biblical narratives.

Interestingly, swaddling goes beyond just Jesus' story. It appears in the tales of other key figures as well, highlighting continuity in cultural practices across the scriptures. For instance, consider the imagery in Ezekiel, emphasizing how every human life—a promise yet unrealized—begins with a hope for spiritual and emotional flourishing.

The swaddling clothes encapsulate the themes of human vulnerability and divine purpose. They remind us that even in his infancy, Jesus embraced the human experience in all its simplicity, possibly awaiting the great things he would ultimately reveal. This humble act framed the splendid story of transformation that was about to unfold.