And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, unto the City of David which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David) 5to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, who was great with child.
We honor the birth of Jesus Christ December 25. The 90 mile trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem and the birth of the Savior was almost certainly in September. (The Bible doesn’t say) We picture Mary riding a donkey. She may have or she may have walked. The Bible does not record that either. We know for a very pregnant girl, riding or walking, this was a difficult road. There were many difficulties and dangers including thieves—especially the last 40-50 miles before Jerusalem.
This is a figurine (available here) depicting the wear and tear of the trip.
