The Journey

Luke 2:1-5 AMPC

In those days it occurred that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole Roman empire should be registered. [2] This was the first enrollment, and it was made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. [3] And all the people were going to be registered, each to his own city or town. [4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, [5] To be enrolled with Mary, his espoused ( married) wife, who was about to become a mother.

Those who place the birth of Jesus alongside "Santa coming down each chimney" should read the account.

It is detailed and tied to definite traceable events in history outside of the Bible.

The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem on foot was about 90 miles and was no easy one - fraught with dangers - even for a fit armed man.

However, factor in Mary, who was heavily pregnant, and you have one arduous trip.

See this link for more info: https://stories.gordon.edu/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-christmas-story/#:~:text=If%20the%20current%20hypothesis%20among,roughly%20eight%20hours%20a%20day.

So, probably, it took about a week, to get to destination Bethlehem.

Throughout that journey perhaps Satan tried many times to "terminate" Jesus' birth with attacks by bandits or falls on rocky terrain - anything to stop prophecy being fulfilled.

The Gospels don't provide any details, but it must have been eventful.

Joseph would have been determined that his son would be born in his ancestral city to take Mary on that trip, because many women died in childbirth back then.

There were no hospitals lining the route and he was a carpenter, not a midwife!

Nevertheless:

“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.”

Michael 5:2

I am sure that the Lord sent special guardian angels for their protection.

Take time and imagination to picture the journey.

Psalm 91:11

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Whatever our own journeys are, be assured that the Lord is with you in your day.

Pray for journeying mercies.