The answer is: False

The Bible would suggest otherwise (Luke 2 v 6). Arriving in town well before her due date would make more sense.

When you dive into the familiar Christmas story, it’s easy to spot legends that have crept in over centuries, and the timing of Mary and Joseph’s arrival is a great example! The Gospel of Luke makes things clear—Mary and Joseph were probably rolled into Bethlehem well ahead of Jesus's delivery, possibly for the census that was calling everyone back to their ancestral towns.

Did you know that the journey of about 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem was no easy feat? Though texts don’t give a play-by-play of every bump or moment of fear, it surely was a tiring trek, especially for a woman in her later trimester. In many traditions today, we have this cozy image of a tranquil Mary on a donkey, but the reality wasn’t so picturesque.

Interestingly, Bethlehem means “House of Bread,” which has lovely symbolism since Jesus later describes himself as “the bread of life.” This echoes the mighty themes present throughout Scripture where birth scenes are filled with vivid imagery of hope and renewal.

Also worth noting is that the star—or 'Star of Bethlehem'—guides the Magi right to Jesus, often surprising folks when seeing it through the lens of celestial events. Could it have been a comet or perhaps even a supernatural signal? It’s this blend of extraordinary and ordinary that ebbs and flows through the Christmas narrative, deserving its spot in such a vibrant and rich tradition.