“Shut the door—you’re letting flies in!”
“Shut the door—the dog’s going to get out!”
“Shut the door—it’s freezing outside!”
And of course, the classic: “Were you born in a barn?”
I heard all of those growing up, usually while doing what kids do best—running in and out of the house, completely absorbed in play, exploration, or pure absent-mindedness. Eventually the message sank in. Barn doors are left open, animals wander freely, and as a result the stalls inside often smell and look like the pasture outside.
The implication was clear: Close the door. You’re not an animal. You’re better than this.
That lesson stuck. Even today, when I’m in the supermarket and notice one of those clear refrigerator doors left slightly open, I feel compelled to close it. Cold food stays cold when the door is shut. Common sense makes the decision for me. I might even glance around, silently wondering which shopper was “born in a barn.”
Scripture tells us Jesus was laid in a manger after His birth. A manger is a feeding trough—an ordinary box meant for livestock. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly say He was born in a barn, it’s very possible. What we do know is this: there was no room for Him in the inn. The inn was warm, protected, and secure—doors opened and closed to keep the elements out. The place where Jesus began His life offered none of that.
His first cradle was a feeding box. His first smells were likely manure. His first sounds were animals stirring in the night. The Son of God entered the world in the most humbling way imaginable.
No one can honestly say, “Jesus doesn’t understand poverty.” He does. God chose to identify with the lowliest human experience from the very beginning.
Were you born in a barn? If not, thank God for that blessing! If you were born in a barn, then you and Jesus already have something in common…what a great conversation starter!This Christmas, thank God for His humble beginnings!
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Thank you for sharing this thoughtful post Eric. We certainly need to remember our Lord’s humble birth and life; it is an encouragement for us every day. We can feel a connection with Him if we live in humble circumstances, which is the very Godly purpose of His birth. Our Lord knows our struggles, Hallelujah! God bless you and your family brother 🙏
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Amen brother Alan! I’m thankful in some ways to have grown up impoverished…it has given me an empathetic side for others and an ability to make much from little. May God bless you and yours with a beautiful day, brother!
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Great post, brother Eric!
For some reason, this brought to mind my most favorite car I’ve ever owned. “Luci” was a 1989 faded red Nissan Sentra. The asking price was $1000, but her original owner sold her to me for $500–because he was a fellow believer who knew we really needed transportation.
I treated Luci like a show car: searching for missing trim pieces at junk yards and repairing a hole in the driver’s seat with an iron on patch. The point is, the humble little car, that God provided at half price, brought me more joy than the two year old Toyota I now have in my garage. Humble beginnings are often the best, because they remind us how little we need to truly thank God for our circumstances.
Blessings, brother, and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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That’s a great car, brother David! Luci had great owners and I’m sure that God is pleased when we cherish those blessings in life that others would scoff at.
Love and appreciate you brother David, hope that you have a blessed Christmas also and a great 2026!
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Love this! Great connection to all of those phrases from childhood! This reminds me of the Christmas song, “Away in a Manger.” The King of Kings entered our world in the most humble way. What a great reminder!
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Thanks Heather, hope that you have a great Christmas! We just sang Away in a Manger at the Nursing Home…it was a blessing to see those little 80+ year old ladies singing away to that classic!
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