The answer is: False

Although perfectly possible that she rode upon a donkey, the Bible says nothing about how Mary entered Bethlehem and there are various other possibilities. The Bible only says that she came with Joseph.

It's quite a charming scene we envision, isn't it? Mary on a donkey, laboring her way into Bethlehem while Joseph navigates through the bustling streets. The picturesque image has been reinforced by popular culture and countless nativity scenes, but the Bible truly does leave us hanging when it comes to specifications of their journey. Although donkeys were commonly used in ancient transportation, the Gospel of Luke doesn’t actually mention any of the details for entering Bethlehem except that they arrived together.

While we’re conjuring mental images, it’s interesting to note that Mary and Joseph were likely part of a larger caravan. Traveling during those times was perilous, with travelers often banding together to offer help and protection, especially on long journeys like theirs! According to some scholars, Jerusalem and Bethlehem are only around six miles apart, bringing fresh considerations on their pushing through; for ancient travelers overflowing blessings of hospitality were another reality.

Often a familial visit from Nazareth, Mary likely had relatives in Bethlehem due to King David's lineage and verses found in Micah that mention the prophesied birth in Bethlehem. Now, for a fun fact: When Mary sang the “Magnificat” after learning of her pregnancy, that poetic yet bold declaration reflected the voices of many women in scripture—echoes of praise and a story as resonant now as it has ever been!

So whether on a donkey or not, it’s the journey made together through adversity and hope that rings true in this timeless narrative.