The familiar Christmas narrative often begins with Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem. We know Joseph, a carpenter from Nazareth, traveled to Bethlehem, his ancestral city, to register for the census decreed by Caesar Augustus. The scriptures clearly state his lineage: “he belonged to the house and line of David” (Luke 2:4). But the question remains: why did Mary, pregnant and nearing her term, accompany him on this arduous 80-mile trek? The Bible doesn’t explicitly state Mary was of David’s lineage (Matthew 1:16, 20), and Roman census laws didn’t require women to travel for registration. Given her condition, staying in Nazareth seems the more logical and comfortable choice. So, what prompted Mary to undertake this challenging journey to Bethlehem?
One might imagine practical concerns arising. Perhaps Mary’s mother and other women in Nazareth advised her against traveling, urging her to stay where they could provide support should the baby arrive prematurely. They might have even questioned Joseph’s decision to bring her along, believing men sometimes overlook the delicate nature of such situations. This paints a picture of Mary, carrying the Son of God, traveling slowly on a donkey, guided by Joseph through miles of dusty roads alongside other travelers.
However, a deeper exploration suggests more profound reasons for Mary’s presence in Bethlehem. Recall the angel Gabriel’s annunciation months prior, revealing her divine role as the Messiah’s mother. When Mary sought understanding, Gabriel explained, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35). This echoes the creation narrative in Genesis 1:2, where “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” It’s conceivable that the same creative Spirit, part of the Trinity, communicated directly with Mary, perhaps even with Joseph, instilling in their hearts the divine necessity of traveling to Bethlehem. A quiet prompting, a spiritual nudge, guiding them on this path.
Furthermore, considering Mary’s deep devotion and knowledge of scripture, another compelling reason emerges. She may have been aware of the ancient prophecy from Micah 5:2, given centuries before:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, / though you are small among the clans of Judah, / out of you will come for me / one who will be ruler over Israel, / whose origins are from of old, / from ancient times.”
Mary, a devout Jewish woman immersed in the Old Testament, would likely have known this prophecy pinpointing Bethlehem as the birthplace of the future ruler of Israel. Her acceptance of Gabriel’s message, “I am the Lord’s servant … may your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38), reveals her unwavering commitment to God’s will. This journey to Bethlehem, then, could be seen as an act of faith, fulfilling her pledge to embrace God’s plan.
In conclusion, while the census provided the logistical reason for Joseph’s trip, Mary’s journey to Bethlehem was likely driven by a confluence of divine direction and her profound faith. It was a journey of obedience, fulfilling prophecy, and embracing her unique role in God’s redemptive plan. While we don’t worship Mary, we can deeply respect and appreciate her pivotal role as a faithful servant who answered God’s call, making that arduous journey and giving birth to the Son of God in Bethlehem, just as prophesied.
