Despite Mary being nine months pregnant with Jesus, Joseph answered the call for the census and travelled with Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The Gospel writer Luke relays this information in just a few short verses…

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

This journey was not nearly as simple as Luke makes it seem.

The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem was approximately 90 miles and most scholars believe it would have taken Mary and Joseph nearly a week to travel there. While some paintings depict Mary riding a donkey, the gospel narratives mention no mode of transportation. With swollen ankles, an aching back, and a protruding belly, Mary likely walked every step of the way.

The couple would have walked south along the flatlands of the Jordan river, and west through the hills surrounding Jerusalem and then on to Bethlehem. Travel in ancient times was painfully slow and often dangerous. The young couple could have faced wild animals, difficult weather, and possible attacks from thieves and bandits. This journey would have been strenuous for any couple, but especially for Joseph and Mary as they had the unborn baby to worry about as well.

It is interesting that the scriptures make no mention of Joseph and Mary objecting to the timing or the danger of this trip. They simply continued to trust God’s leading in their lives and obediently travelled to Bethlehem.

Prayer Emphasis: Ask God today to give you the faith to trust His leading in your life even when the road ahead seems filled with uncertainty and struggle.

For Family Discussion…
Why do you think the Gospel writer Luke doesn’t give any details about the journey that Joseph and Mary undertook?
How do you think Joseph and Mary had so much faith and were able to obediently travel to Bethlehem without protest?