In recent years, film adaptations of the biblical Christmas story have been popular. The Star (2017) presented the story from the perspective of a donkey and other animals, while Journey to Bethlehem (2023) is a musical retelling of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth.
Using creativity and new perspectives, these movies present the story that so many of us are familiar with in a fresh way.
Central to these films is Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem. When reading Luke’s Gospel, we might assume that the journey to the small city was insignificant because it happened so quickly in the narrative.
However, the setting of Bethlehem and the reason for the couple’s journey are significant. God was working even when outsiders seemed to be in charge or when the circumstances made Mary and Joseph’s mission more challenging.
Let’s explore three lessons we can learn from the couple’s journey to Bethlehem.
1. The Lord Is in Control of Events
Caesar Augustus made a decree that required everyone to return to their hometown to register for the census (Luke 2:1-3). This decree applied to all those in the Roman world, including the Jewish people.
When Joseph heard about the decree, he knew that he would be required to return to his hometown of Bethlehem to register.
We can easily read about the census and wonder why a Roman emperor would suddenly decide to calculate a census. Augustus probably thought he was acting on his own, but he was not. God was working and used this instance to move Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
Mary could not have stayed in Nazareth because the Old Testament prophecy stated that the Messiah would be born in the small town of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Although the couple likely knew about the prophecy, the census forced Joseph to make the journey and take Mary with him.
Although Caesar Augustus seemed to be in control of the census, the Lord was the One who was working in the events to fulfill His purpose and promise. God used the political situation to ensure that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and to show that He was a descendant of David (Luke 2:3).
We can learn from this lesson, recognizing that God is ultimately in control. Sometimes, it may seem like the government or a ruler is in charge of circumstances.
However, Scripture teaches that God “controls the course of world events” (Daniel 2:21, NLT). The Lord has been and forever will be Sovereign over all (1 Chronicles 29:11-12).
2. God Can Use Unexpected and Inconvenient Circumstances for His Purposes
The circumstances surrounding Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem were unexpected and inconvenient.
No one knew in advance that Caesar Augustus was going to require a census from the Roman world. People had jobs to complete and lives to lead. Joseph and Mary were no different.
Mary also would not have enjoyed traveling the distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem. Nativity sets and some Christmas movies depict Mary riding on a donkey to Bethlehem, but Luke does not give us any details about how the couple traveled or if they had the assistance of an animal.
The trip was likely not a welcome or pleasant one, especially for a woman in the latter stages of pregnancy.
Traveling to Bethlehem was difficult enough, but their troubles increased. Once they arrived and stayed in the town, Mary went into labor.
The couple would have appreciated a room, but none could be found. Due to the registration for the census, the small town was overcrowded. The only spare place they could stay, and where Mary could give birth, was where the animals were kept.
Tradition teaches that Jesus was born in a cave, though some scholars have offered other views. During that time, houses had a section for livestock, which is possibly where Joseph and Mary stayed when there was no room at the inn or spare rooms in other houses.
Regardless of the exact location, Mary did not have the luxury of a room when she gave birth to Christ.
These circumstances were difficult and involved discomfort, but God worked out the events according to His purposes. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, as the prophecy foretold.
Also, being placed in a manger after birth, though not the ideal place for a baby, showed Christ’s humble beginning on the earth. This humbleness would mark His earthly ministry.
At times, we, too, can experience events that we did not expect or plan. These events may come at inconvenient moments when we are in pain or struggling.
However, we can trust that “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). The Lord can use anything, including inconveniences and interruptions, to accomplish His plan.
3. Following God Requires Trust and Perseverance
When reading the Bible, it can be challenging to remember that the individuals who went through the events did not know what was going to happen to them.
Mary knew that she was pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit and would give birth to a son (Luke 1:35).
However, no one had told her she would have to travel while pregnant and give birth in a place meant for livestock.
Likewise, Joseph did not expect to have to travel with Mary to Bethlehem for a royal census. But what could he do? He could not ignore the decree or postpone the trip.
Surely, Joseph and Mary would have had questions about why there were obstacles in their way, or at least what they perceived as obstacles.
Regardless of the events, they continued to trust in the Lord and the message He had given them. Mary faithfully followed the Lord, even when the pregnancy made traveling a burden.
Joseph, too, obeyed God’s instructions, taking Mary as his wife and caring for her. They persevered in the challenges, trusting in the Lord’s plan. He gave them strength for their important journey.
We may struggle with the circumstances in our lives, feeling like Mary and Joseph as they trekked to Bethlehem, not knowing what would happen. At times, our lives can feel uncertain.
Problem after problem arises, and we feel overwhelmed by a flood of doubts and questions. However, in these moments, we need to persevere in our faith, remembering that God is good and trustworthy. He will give us strength for the various journeys of life.
Why Does This Matter?
Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem to register in the census seems like a small detail in Luke’s Gospel, but it is significant. God was working even when the governing authorities seemed to be in control, or interruptions arose. He was accomplishing His plans and fulfilling His promises.
We can learn from these biblical events, knowing that God is Sovereign and that He can use anything to accomplish his will, including disruptions and inconveniences. In times of struggle and difficulty, we must continue persevering in faith and trusting the Lord’s faithfulness.
We may not understand immediately how the situations in our lives fit God’s plan, but we can rest in the knowledge that the Lord is good and trustworthy.
For further reading:
How Old Was Joseph When He Married Mary?
How Old Was Joseph When Jesus Was Born?
Did Mary and Joseph Really Stay in a Cave?
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