From a very early age, the little donkey was passed along from one owner to another. He never stayed in one place very long, and that’s why he had never been given a name of his own. Everyone just knew him as “Donkey”. Only God knew Donkey’s mother. Only God knew Donkey’s name. Whatever it might have been, the road was arduous, and their journey encourages us along our own spiritual journey to the feast of Christmas. The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem could have taken 4-6 days by foot to cover the 120 km or 75 mile journey.

Did Mary Really Ride on a Donkey into Bethlehem? - Crosswalk

We also know they were subject to living under the burden of Roman military and judicial rule. They were taxed by both Rome and the Temple. They were simple people living a very simple way of life which meant they experience the gap inequality between the rich and the poor. Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

We may never know the exact mode of transportation that Joseph and Mary used, but we do know the possibilities are many. They could have used a donkey, walked there on foot, or traveled with others in a caravan. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” What Is the Significance of Mary and Joseph's Entrance? The story of the journey to Bethlehem is found in chapter two of Luke. Verses 1-21 tell us about the journey, Jesus’ birth, and the first eight days after his birth. However, only Luke 2:4-7 give us any details of their journey to Bethlehem: Donkeys or asses were the normal animals used to carry loads and are still used in many countries today. Horses were only used by the rich or as a war animal.

Mary traveled with Joseph on a donkey | Bibleview

Most of the lady donkeys would have adopted him as their own little colt, but this was not to be. Just as Donkey thought he had found a foster mother, he would find himself on another farm. But God had not forgotten him. And finally, Donkey had accepted the fact that he might never know his natural mother, or have a foster mother. There is no mention of a donkey, camel, or any other mode of transportation. Where the donkey tradition originated As a very young colt, whenever Donkey was moved to a different farm and met some new donkeys, he would trot up to a lady donkey and ask with renewed hope, “Are you my mama?” Of course, his search was in vain. As he grew a little older, Donkey no longer brayed this question aloud, even though finding his mama was still a longing in his heart. A few months ago, the day Joseph first brought you to his parents’ stable, I had a visitor from Heaven. An angel came to see me. Yes, Donkey, a real angel! And what a wonderful message he brought from God Himself! He said that God had chosen me to become the mother of His Son. He went there to be registered with Mary, who had been promised to him in marriage and was pregnant.The angel’s name is Gabriel, and I think ‘Gabriel’ would be a perfect name for you, Donkey. I’ll call you ‘Gabe’ for short!” Donkey looked at Mary and nuzzled her hand. His long ears twitched over a broad smile as if he understood her and was pleased with his new name! After all, he didn’t know another donkey in Nazareth that had been named for an angel! The hand of God is seen everywhere, even here, with His using a Roman census to get Jesus to be born in Bethlehem. The Gospel itself leaves out such details, as everyone knew at the time it was composed how people traveled. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. (Luke 2:3-7) Being betrothed is similar to being engaged, but much more binding. Mary and Joseph would be getting married and moving to a home of their own in a few months. Until then, Donkey would continue living in the stable that belonged to Joseph’s family. Isaiah 21:7 “When he sees chariots with teams of horses, riders on donkeys or riders on camels, let him be alert, fully alert.”

Did Mary ride a donkey to Bethlehem? - Aleteia

The most common image of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem features a pregnant Mary riding a donkey, while Joseph is leading the way on foot.Other stories in the Bible give us details about modes of transportation from the very early books of the Bible. A search on the word “Donkey” will provide over 145 Scripture references. Several of these not only reference Jesus’ entry on a donkey but also how donkeys were used as transportation. It is possible that St. Joseph did in fact lead Mary to Bethlehem on a donkey. This was a common way of traveling at the time and donkeys were popular among all classes of people. Possibly a caravan A SPECIAL INVITATION FOR YOU: You are invited to attend Joseph and Mary’s wedding and later to travel with them and with Gabe to Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of God’s very own Son, Jesus! Be sure to join us for the conclusion of our story, Mary’s Donkey – a Christmas Story, Part 2. Chris Mueller in an article for Ascension Press paints a much different picture. Mary and Joseph were not the only ones taking the journey. More than likely, the routes between cities were crowded with travelers. Nobody would consider taking a trip like this alone. It would not have been safe, as the territory between towns was not policed and bandits would have been a real concern. The people probably traveled in great caravans for convenience and safety. Mary and Joseph would have been among the vast migration of people. It must have been an incredible sight to see. However, most modern biblical scholars say that it is more likely that the Holy Family traveled in a caravan of people.