From the poverty of Jesus’ simple beginnings being born to simple parents who traveled to Jerusalem in search of a place to rest—is the journey we all make as we find our way to God through the “Bread of Life.” Some of us wander the earth for years looking for a way to rid ourselves of the heavy burdens we carry. It’s not until we receive Jesus, that we are debt-free of the wages of death. From poverty, Jesus’ birth becomes the miracle of our redemption. 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. Whatever it might have been, the road was arduous, and their journey encourages us along our own spiritual journey to the feast of Christmas.

Mary traveled with Joseph on a donkey | Bibleview

One evening when Mary was having dinner with Joseph and her future inlaws, Joseph decided to introduce Donkey to Mary and let her decide on a proper name for him. After dinner, he took her into the stable and left Mary and Donkey alone to get acquainted while he finished some work in the pasture.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. 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. 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) Mary was so pleased with Donkey! Joseph had just finished grooming him before she arrived. He was a beautiful donkey, and he and Mary bonded right away. After petting him for a few minutes, she said to him, “Donkey, you are already special to me, and I want to give you a special name.

Mary’s Donkey – a Christmas Story, Part 1 – Jeannie Thompson

We also know Mary never had any relations with Joseph and both were chosen by God to be Jesus’ earthly parents. When they did make it to their destination, Jesus was birthed in a manger. Our King of kings wasn’t born in a palace or a home for that matter. He was birthed in a stable which was used as a shelter to keep animals out of the elements. Because there was no room to lay him anywhere, Mary laid him in a feeding trough. From the onset of His birth, He becomes the sacrifice as He was wrapped in bandages foreshadowing the day of His death. And the feeding trough becomes an altar. Thus, the manger becomes a reference to the table of God in which we are invited to receive the Bread of Life. This story of Jesus’ birth pictures St. Joseph as an old man, who has children from a previous marriage. The scene has Mary sitting on a donkey, led by Joseph’s son. But Donkey was so kind and helpful that wherever he happened to be living at the time, he made many friends. He was also a favorite playmate among the other young animals. Joseph had just become betrothed to a young woman named Mary, who also lived in Nazareth. Mary was still in her teens, several years younger than Joseph, but he had been attracted to Mary for a long time. Her kindness to everyone and her devotion to the Lord touched all who knew her. 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.Almost every film, every play, and every nativity scene planted in front yards depicts Mary on a donkey. While these nativity scenes remind us of the wonder and awe of the night of Jesus’ birth. There may be misconceptions about the night of our wonderful Savior’s birth. They all tell the Christmas story but are they correct? Is it okay to use a theatrical license to retell the story? Either way, it does cause us to wonder what the journey to Bethlehem was like.

Did Mary ride a donkey to Bethlehem? - Aleteia

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.

What Does the Bible Actually Tell Us about Their Entrance?

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? However, most modern biblical scholars say that it is more likely that the Holy Family traveled in a caravan of people. 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.