And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And, Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 2:1-7
Yes, Mary traveled with her new husband Joseph to Bethlehem. Still, her world must have seemed like it was moving so quickly, one day she was just a young girl at home, who was betrothed. Until an angel visited her and she was told she would bear the 'Son of God!' Mary then traveled to visit with her cousin Elizabeth, and upon her return she married Joseph.
Now the young couple was traveling to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. The trip was approximately 80 miles and it would take at least a week. Normally, it might have taken 4-5 days, but we are told Mary was great with child and that must have slowed their travels down a bit.
Now the young couple was traveling to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. The trip was approximately 80 miles and it would take at least a week. Normally, it might have taken 4-5 days, but we are told Mary was great with child and that must have slowed their travels down a bit.
This young woman was at the end of her pregnancy and she had no immediate family with her. She and Joseph had just completed a very long journey. Once there... they learned that there was no room for them in the inn.
One might think that because of Joseph's lineage or even Mary's family that there would be family near enough to take them in, but at this point she was just as happy to have the manger available to her and Joseph.
One might think that because of Joseph's lineage or even Mary's family that there would be family near enough to take them in, but at this point she was just as happy to have the manger available to her and Joseph.
Out in the fields the shepherds were now making their way to see this Savior of the world, because an angel had appeared to them and announced the birth of Jesus in the city of David.
The shepherds followed the star to the manger and they shared how the angel visited them. On their return trip they began to spread the word to everyone about this amazing child and everything the angel had said about him. And so it was as they went along praising and glorifying God.
On one hand, Mary may have been quiet as she listened and treasured their words... all while mulling them over in her heart. Still on the other hand, she was trying to grasp, the fact that this tender child in her arms, this little baby boy, truly was the Savior of the world.
The shepherds followed the star to the manger and they shared how the angel visited them. On their return trip they began to spread the word to everyone about this amazing child and everything the angel had said about him. And so it was as they went along praising and glorifying God.
On one hand, Mary may have been quiet as she listened and treasured their words... all while mulling them over in her heart. Still on the other hand, she was trying to grasp, the fact that this tender child in her arms, this little baby boy, truly was the Savior of the world.
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