“Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea,” Scripture states laconically (Luke 2:4). Luke wrote no more about the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. However, today we have various studies on the routes, times, and difficulties that the Holy Family may have encountered on their journey to Bethlehem. It is likely that it took them almost a week to reach their destination. Each day of the journey would have held something special, as we will explore here.
Although we do not know for certain which route Joseph chose for the journey, many believe it was the one along the River Jordan. The most direct route would have been through the heart of Samaria. However, this region was heavily influenced by pagan practices, and the Samaritans—staunch enemies of the Jews—typically did not extend hospitality to those on pilgrimage to the Holy City. As a result, two options remained, both approximately 150 kilometers long: the Via Maris and the Jordan route. The Via Maris followed the Mediterranean coast, which was relatively walkable, although the valleys and gorges in the final stretch were challenging. This route was not commonly used by Galilean Jews because it passed through heavily Hellenized regions, populated mostly by Gentiles. Additionally, many Jews preferred to avoid the sea. It is most likely that they circumvented Samaria by taking the route along the low-lying Jordan River, as indicated in the maps.
Several modern pilgrims today follow the most likely route on foot. Moving at a brisk pace, walking during the hours of daylight (about 10 hours of daylight in December), and with some breaks, it’s possible to cover around 40 km each day. At this rate, the journey would take about four or five days. However, considering Mary’s pregnancy and the added burden of relocating to Bethlehem, the pace would likely be slower, totaling approximately six days.
With the information we have today, we can speculate about the last nine days of humanity’s Advent, the final days of the Old Testament. Assuming that Jesus was born on December 25th, from December 16th to 18th, Joseph would be preparing everything necessary for the journey and the relocation. Everything indicated that Mary would give birth in Bethlehem. They needed to carry food, work utensils, something to sleep on, and warm clothing. The temperature during that time of the year could vary between 15 and 20°C. Joseph would inquire if anyone else was traveling for the census or if any caravan was heading south. Mary, already eight and a half months pregnant, would try to rest during those days to face the challenges of the journey.
Day 1 (Dec. 19): The journey begins in Nazareth, which is at an altitude of 347 meters. The most direct route would have been through Nain and Scythopolis, heading to Pella, but these settlements were not well-connected. More likely, they would have headed to Seforis, and perhaps, accompanied by someone, they would have reached the Sea of Galilee, where several caravans typically traveled south. That would have been the safest and most walkable option. If so, by the evening, they would have descended to Tiberias, which is about 200 meters below sea level, and before sunset, they would have reached the shores of Senabris (-199).
Day 2 (Dec. 20): The first thing they would do on this day is cross to the other side of the Jordan, entering the region of the Decapolis. After ascending a bit, they would head south, bidding farewell to the Sea of Galilee. From that point on, the terrain would no longer present as much change of elevation, and 27 kilometers to the south they would reach the historic city of Pella, which is at sea level. It was a good place to replenish supplies and spend the night.
Day 3 (Dec. 21): On the third day, they would leave the Decapolis and enter Perea along the western bank of the Jordan, precisely on the opposite side of Samaria. After descending almost 300 meters below sea level, the path, which now ran alongside the river, became flatter. They would sleep outdoors in that area.
Day 4 (Dec. 22): On this day, the family would traverse the path parallel to the Jordan, a narrow passage carved out through lush vegetation. The mountain range and trees create minimal wind and sunlight. The typical rains of December would also muddy the path, making the ascent to Livias (+200 m), still a city in Perea, more challenging. They would spend the night there.
Day 5 (Dec. 23): From Livias, they would descend again to the Jordan, near its estuary at the Dead Sea. This is the lowest point of the river, at about 392 meters below sea level. After crossing it, they would finally enter Judea. From that point onward, it would be an ascent all the way to Bethlehem. In the late afternoon, they would pass through the city of Jericho (-276 m), very likely bustling with people due to the census. The sun would set early behind the mountains. The night would catch up with them where the road begins to seriously incline.
Day 6 (Dec. 24): The last 40 kilometers are the toughest stretch of the journey and, at the same time, the most emblematic. From the low valley, they ascend almost a thousand meters, reaching Jerusalem (+754). Such a steep climb is no small feat for those who have been on the road for five days, let alone for someone about to give birth. Joseph would tug the reluctant donkey again and again to make it forget the weary days and to increase its pace. By midday, they would step onto the slopes of the Mount of Olives and soon arrive at the longed-for Holy City. The travelers would eat and rest in the surroundings without entering its walls, as time began to press.
At sunset, they would leave Jerusalem. After covering the last 10 kilometers, they would arrive in Bethlehem (+777 m), now without sunlight and with the first signs of labor. The caravan would end its journey in a typical place where travelers could spend the night. The place was crowded because of the census. Feeling sorrowful that the Son of God would be born there, Joseph began asking for lodging from various residents of Bethlehem, receiving all sorts of responses. Such a large number of passersby did not uplift anyone’s spirits. In the end, a stable with a friendly ox appeared. And there, at midnight, while the stars shone brilliantly in the sky, the Old Testament came to a close.
Merry Christmas!
Juan Carlos Riofrio
Nairobi, Dec. 24, 2023
Juegos de pluma. Blog de Juan Carlos Riofrío 
Un comentario en “Six days journey to Bethlehem. That’s how the Old Testament ends”