She Drew "Conclusions in Her Heart"

 The Trip to Bethelem

Joseph and Mary were not the only ones on the move. Caear Augustus had recently decreed that a registration be carried out in the land, and people had to travel to their town of origin order to comply.  How did Jospeph respond? The account reads: "Of course, Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to David's city, which is called Bethelem, because of being a member of the house and family of David." - LUKE 2:1-4.

It was  no coincidence thaty Caesar issued his decree at this time.  A  prophecy written down some seven centuries earleir foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethelem. Now, it so happened that there was a town near Bethelem a mere seven miles (11 Km) from Nazareth. However, the prophecy specified tha tit was "Bethelem Ephrathah" that would produce the Messiah.  (Read Micah 5:2)  To reach that little village from Nazareth, travelers covered some 80 miles (130 km) via Samaria.  That was the Bethelem to which Joseph was summoned, for it was the ancestral home of the family of King David-the family to  which both Joseph and his bride belonged.

Would Mary support Joseph in his decision to comply?  After all, the trip would be hard on her.  It was very liely early in the autumn of the year, so light rains were possible as the dry season gradually ended.  What is more, the phrase  "went up from Galilee" is appropriate, for Bethelem was perched at a lofty altitude of over 2, 500 feet (760 km) -quite a climb, and arduous end to a trek of several days. Perhaps it would take longer than usual, for Mary's condtion might require numerous periods of rest.  Now, of all times, a young woman might yearn to stay close to home, where she had family  and friends who were ready to help when her birth pangs began.  Without a doubt, she needed to have courage to take this trip.  

Next time: She Drew "Conclusions in Her Heart" - The Trip to Bethelem- conclusion 

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