The Birth of Christ

[WJeffrey]

Is there a reason why Joseph and Mary didn’t stay with Elizabeth when Jesus was born? Forgive my ignorance. My parents left the Church when I was in the 3rd Grade and I returned for the first time a couple of months ago. There is a lot to digest, but the return to the Church has been great.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

In Luke 2, we read that Caesar called for a census, requiring everyone to register at the city of their birth. Joseph had to go to Bethlehem.

 

[WJeffrey]

Thank you. I figured there was an obvious explanation that I was overlooking.

 

[GEddie]

Saint Elizabeth lived in Ein Karim, across Jerusalem from Bethlehem. At least two hours walking. No good with a pregnant wife!

ICXC NIKA

 

[Todd977]

There was an Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. See Matthew 2:1-7.

 

[fred_conty]

The practical side of the story would be that Mary, in Nazereth, went to Elizabeth out of charity, pregnant for six months with John, to help her in her old age. It may be that Mary helped Elizabeth in child birth. After three months John was born, so Mary, Jesus being in her womb three months, went back to her own home town, Nazereth in the north, where Joseph was. Then it was that Joseph and Mary heard of the census.

 

[WJeffrey]

Thank you for the answers. They are appreciated. Great Information.

 

[Gorgias]

The practical side of the story would be that Mary, in Nazereth, went to Elizabeth out of charity, pregnant for six months with John, to help her in her old age. It may be that Mary helped Elizabeth in child birth.

Except that the way Luke tells the story, Mary returns home and then Elizabeth gives birth.

After three months John was born

Gabriel tells Mary that Elizabeth is “in her sixth month.” In other words, she could’ve been anywhere from 3 months to almost four months from delivery. So, Mary stays “about three months” and goes home, and then Elizabeth delivers John.