Born to Heal Our Wounds

This is day three of a five-day devotional on the lowly shepherds. If you are lost, please read this and the first two days of this devotional.

The sign given to the shepherds was specific: they would find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. But these weren't fancy baby blankets. Swaddling cloths were essentially bandages - strips of cloth used to wrap wounds. Many were likely used cloths, repurposed from caring for injured animals.

Even as a newborn, Jesus was wrapped in symbols of His ultimate purpose. He came not as a conquering king in royal robes, but as a humble healer wrapped in the very materials used to bind wounds. This powerful imagery points to why He came - to heal our deepest hurts and bind up our broken hearts. We all carry wounds. Some are visible - physical ailments, broken relationships, or obvious struggles.

Others are hidden deep within - shame, guilt, fear, or past traumas that continue to cause pain. The world offers temporary bandages, but Jesus offers complete healing. Just as those swaddling cloths foreshadowed His crucifixion, they also point to His resurrection power. The same Jesus who was wounded for our transgressions rose again, conquering death and offering us new life. His scars became our healing. His wounds became our wholeness.

Whatever wounds you carry today, know that Jesus understands. He was born to heal, born to restore, born to make all things new. The baby in the manger grew up to be the Savior who can heal every hurt and mend every broken heart.

Bible Verse

'But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.' - Isaiah 53:5

Reflection Question

What wounds in your life do you need to bring to Jesus for His healing touch?

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being born to heal our wounds. I bring my hurts and brokenness to You, trusting in Your power to heal and restore. Help me find wholeness in You. Amen.