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 arrived in the world, he was swaddled in cloths just like every other Jewish baby at that time. This practice of wrapping infants snugly wasn't just a warm embrace; it carried deeper meanings and traditions. Interestingly, swaddling clothes symbolized care, protection, and initiation into the family. It might conjure images of cute bundles of joy, but those cloths also represented the commitment parents made to care for their new little one.

And it’s intriguing to note that swaddling wasn’t merely a physical act. According to ancient customs, wrapping a newborn tightly imbued vitality and strength, facilitating growth and a sense of security. One comforting thought is that even back then, society placed significant importance on the proper treatment of newborns—just as many cultures still do.

Remarkably, this moment plays into something even bigger than just birth—think of it in the context of prophecy. In Luke 2:12, the angels refer to baby Jesus as “a sign.” For people waiting for a Messiah, finding Him in a stable, wrapped in these humble swaddling cloths offered a provocative twist, shattering typical expectations of grandeur.

In many ways, this act alerts us to the unexpected paths our journeys may take. Swaddling has echoed through centuries, reminding all that the smallest moments in the quietest places can herald monumental changes in the world. Each baby, including Jesus, enters this world draped not in regality but in love and necessity—a universal connection transcending time.