John Calvin Commentary Luke 2:7

"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." — Luke 2:7 (ASV)

Because there was no room for them in the inn—we see here not only the great poverty of Joseph, but also the cruel tyranny that admitted no excuse, but compelled Joseph to bring his wife with him at an inconvenient time, when she was near her delivery. Indeed, it is probable that those who were the descendants of the royal family were treated more harshly and disdainfully than the rest. Joseph was not so devoid of feeling as to have no concern about his wife’s delivery. He would gladly have avoided this necessity: but, since that is impossible, he is forced to yield,¹³¹ and commends himself to God.

We see, at the same time, what sort of beginning the life of the Son of God had, and in what cradle¹³² He was placed. Such was His condition at His birth, because He had taken upon Himself our flesh for this purpose: that He might empty Himself (Philippians 2:7) on our account. When He was thrown into a stable, placed in a manger, and refused lodging among men, it was so that heaven might be opened to us—not as a temporary lodging,¹³³ but as our eternal country and inheritance—and so that angels might receive us into their abode.

¹³¹ “Il baisse la teste;” — “he bows the head.”;” — “he bows the head.”

¹³² “Comment il a este heberge.”.”

¹³³ “Non modo hospitii jure;” — “;” — “non point comme un logis pour y estre hebergez en passant.”.”