I have a lovely children's book called Silent Night.  The pictures are
beautiful.  Mary looks very pregnant while riding the donkey and is
breastfeeding Jesus as others come to look in on them.  I got this at Target
no less.  The reason we see the nativity with Jesus in a manger is biblically
based, "This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands
of cloth and lying in a manger." I'd think a cave/stable with animals in it
would be quite warm, due to the animals' body heat.

As for Jesus, it is thought that his family was poor.  One reason it's
thought they were poor is that when the time came for their purification
according to the law of Moses, they brought the two turtledoves or two
pigeons for the sacrifice, because they could not afford the lamb. My guess
is that Jesus was breastfed by his mother.  Most babies didn't do too well on
the alternatives and my guess is they couldn't afford a wet nurse. I hope
this helps answer some of your questions.  Warmly, Sue

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