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 diving into the Christmas story, it’s easy to let our imaginations fill in the gaps between the lines, especially with all the fanfare surrounding it! In reality, the Bible gives us lots of detail, but it’s a good training to look beyond the festive glow of nativity scenes. When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, one might picture them rushing to the stable just as labor begins—there’s a bit more to the story!

Luke 2:6 says, "And while they were there, the time came for the baby to be born." The implication here is that they arrived sometime in advance of this crucial moment. It was likely a chaotic time, with crowded quarters making room for everyone. Can you imagine if these two were among the early check-ins at a Bethlehem inn? The idea is that Mary was likely settled before the big day, with her very special gift ready to expand the circle of love and compassion to come.

Fun fact: The shepherds who rushed to see the newborn lamb had another unexpected connection to Jesus. Shepherds were often viewed as social outcasts, making the invitation to witness the miracle even more poignant. From a narrative perspective, there's an underlying message that all people are worthy of love, no matter their station in life! This striking juxtaposition of humble origins can be found throughout Jesus' life and teachings, emphasizing inherent equality and presence amidst everyday realities. So, when we rethink the timeline of Mary's arrival, we also celebrate the larger message of inclusivity that ripples through the nativity narrative!