Luke 2:5-7 “To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Because of the taxation demanded by the Roman government, Joseph and Mary left Nazareth and headed to the town of their ancestral birthplace – Bethlehem. Mary was already very close to the time that she would give birth to the Savior. This made the journey hard on her in her condition. Since there is no mention of her riding on a donkey – it should be assumed that she and her husband walked.
Going from Nazareth to Bethlehem would be a journey of about 90 miles. Because they were probably walking, it would likely have taken about five days – possibly six. This journey would put Mary right where God said that Jesus was to be born – Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
No doubt Joseph and Mary checked out several inns when they arrived in Bethlehem, but with so many people coming to be taxed – there were no vacancies. Innkeeper after innkeeper repeated the story that they were all full and could not give them a place to sleep.
Finally, one innkeeper apologetically told them about a stable behind the inn. They were tired of traveling and accepted it. Although not a nice place, it was better than nothing and it did give them some privacy.
It appears that they were not there very long before Jesus was born. He was Mary’s first Child but she would have more later. After Jesus was born, He was wrapped with “swaddling clothes.” These are thin bands of cloth that were commonly used to wrap a baby in after birth to restrict movement and help them keep quiet.
How long they stayed in Bethlehem is not known, but it was probably enough time for Mary to heal before they traveled back to Nazareth. They may also have stayed long enough for them to make the trip to Jerusalem – which was not far from Bethlehem. Once there, she could perform the required custom of offering a sacrifice in the Temple.
In that day, Joseph and Mary were told that there was no room for them in the inn. It seems that things have not changed much since then because many people that know about Jesus today seem to have little time or room in their daily lives for Him.
Many that know how to be saved have never yet made that decision. Unfortunately, if they never call on Him for salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ will tell them that He has no room for them in Heaven.
Christian friend, I hope, that during this Christmas season, that Jesus finds it comfortable living in your heart and that you will fellowship often with Him.