The Journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem

A Roman herald issued an important decree from the Emperor himself. Everyone had to be registered by a census in his hometown.

Now Joseph's hometown was Bethlehem, about 150 kilometres south and Mary even in advanced pregnancy, was anxious to travel with him in spite of the distance. The young couple set out on their long journey joining for safety a travelling party on the way to Jerusalem. Mary was carried on a donkey throughout. Day by day the journey wore on through Sichem, Shiloh and Bethel.

Mary, in advanced pain, was pleased to notice that the party was now on the outskirts of Jerusalem, where she would receive comfort and womanly attention from the friends of her early girlhood, especially Martha and Mary of Bethany. The last stage of travel was now undertaken, one that proved difficult owning to the absence of water.

The land around Bethlehem was arid. The weather was cold. But worst of all. Mary needed to have the dryness of mouth, due to the labour pains now reaching their peak, relieved. However as darkness came on, during the last hours of the journey, the caravan reached King David's wells and Joseph was able to assuage Mary's burning thirst......

by F.B. Duffy