Where was Jesus Born? Tradition has always made reference to a cave in Bethlehem. More recently some scholars reflecting almost exclusively on the Greek word "kataluma", translated normally with "inn" (Lk 2:7), have come to a new interpretation. This word among other meanings can also point to a "guest room". Therefore, they conclude, since the guest room was already busy, Mary and Joseph were put up instead in the living room, together with all family and the animals. It would have been inconceivable that Joseph had not found a relative in that city to host him and his pregnant wife. The final conclusion is that Jesus' birth was all natural, nothing to be preserved from indiscreet eyes. But if we read that word in its context, we understand that there was a "sign" given to the Shepherds to be carefully investigated in order to recognise the Saviour, Christ the Lord. The Shepherds arrived and found Mary, Joseph and the Baby in a manger (Lk 2:16). To understand the mystery hidden in that manger, they had to go through Our Lady and through her virginity. The cave in its austerity and seclusion secured the virginal birth of Christ and made the Shepherds feel at home, so as to be able to become evangelists of that Good News! There was a mystery to keep.

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