In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. Luke 2:1,4-5 CSB

It only takes about five verses for Joseph and Mary to get from Nazareth to Bethlehem. However, the actual journey for them was about 70 – 90 miles, depending on the source. And they probably walked. Although many pictures show Mary riding a donkey, no such mode of transportation is mentioned in the Biblical account. Most experts agree that the trip would have taken 4 to 5 full days of walking to get to Bethlehem. And Mary was 9 months pregnant!

Travelers going to Bethlehem would have joined together in a caravan in order to discourage robbers from picking on lone travelers. Perhaps someone did offer to let Mary ride on a donkey from time to time or even in a cart. Perhaps the other women on the journey looked after her and made her as comfortable as possible. All who had been born in Bethlehem or were in David’s family line would be traveling to Bethlehem.

When Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem there were no rooms available. Not only was the journey strenuous, they had nowhere to rest. Joseph and Mary ended up in the humblest of places, a stable for animals. Although their long journey was full of difficulties, they were following God’s plan for their lives and God was with them, watching over them and protecting them.

This week as we journey through our own lives; Christmas preparations, shopping and wrapping gifts, family get togethers, special church services, and the busyness of the season, let’s pause to remember that just like Joseph and Mary, God is with us. God gives us strength to get it all done, His peace accompanies us in every difficult circumstance, and His presence and His Son will be our guides.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we journey to Bethlehem with Joseph and Mary, and with God through the journey of our lives.

Blessings and Joy in your journey with the Lord!