The Trip to Bethlehem

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

It was no coincidence that Caesar issued his decree at this time. A prophecy written down some seven centuries earlier foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Now, it so happened that there was a town named Bethlehem a mere seven miles (11 km) from Nazareth. However, the prophecy specified that it was "Bethlehem Ephrathah" that would produce the Messiah. (Read Micah 5:2) To reach that little village from Nazareth, travelers covered some 80 hilly miles (130 km) via Samaria. That was the Bethlehem 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 hard on her. It was likely early in the autumn of the year, light rains were possible as the dry season gradually ended. What is more, the phrase "went up from Galilee" is appropriate, for Bethlehem was perched at a lofty altitude of over 2,500 feet (760 m)-quite a climb, an arduous end to a trek of several days. Perhaps it would take longer than usual, for Mary's condition 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 her when her birth pangs began. Without a doubt, she needed to have courage to take this trip. 

Next time: The Trip to Bethlehem - Conclusion

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