Virtual Nativity - The Journey to Bethlehem

“In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.”
Luke 2.1-5

A small ivory plaque dating to the 12th century can be found in the Cleveland Museum of Art. It depicts the ‘Journey to Bethlehem’, an episode prior to the birth of Christ.

The Virgin Mary, Joseph and one of his sons from a previous wife are shown on their way to Bethlehem to be registered following the decree of Emperor Augustus. Mary is shown seated side-saddle on the donkey, while the smaller figures of Joseph and his son walk in front of and behind the animal. The Virgin's importance, as the mother of God, is emphasised by her larger size and central position. This artwork is old enough so that it is in the public domain. It was produced by a workshop in or near the city of Amalfi, in southern Italy probably during the early 1100s.

A modern painting by American artist Renae Hill portrays the Journey to Bethlehem.