The Many Inconveniences of Joseph and Mary’s Journey to Bethlehem

"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child". Luke 2:4-5 (NIV)

Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem was filled with many inconveniences.

Prompted by Rome’s concern for taxes, a very-pregnant Mary joined Joseph on the 4- to 5-day journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Contrary to popular depiction, the Gospels make no mention of a donkey easing her travel.

At an unspecified time after their arrival, Mary went into labour. Though the familiar story suggests she gave birth in a stable because there was no room in the “inn,” she more likely did so in the main living area of an ordinary home. The word often translated as “inn” (in Luke 2:7) is more probably a “guest room.” Since Middle Eastern cultures prized hospitality, it’s a much more likely scenario that since the guest room was occupied by other travelers (in town due to the census), the hosts of the home invited Mary and Joseph to stay in the main living area. Here, with little privacy but much welcome, Jesus entered into this world.

At night, peasant farmers kept animals in their houses (to keep them safe from theft and wild animals, and to provide heat in winter). A manger for the animals to access was dug out at one end of the family-room floor. It was in this feeding trough that Jesus spent his very first nights.

The circumstances of Jesus’ birth were inconvenient and awkward, and much less than ideal. Nonetheless, God provided and was present.

Jesus, when life doesn’t go as planned and I am frustrated by the obstacles I face, help me to notice both how You are providing and how You are present. Amen.

Kenneth Bailey. “The Story of Jesus’ Birth: Luke 2:1-20.” Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008. 25-37.