Could someone explain the importance of Bethlehem?

Question

I'm taking a course on the Bible and the more we analyze it, the more I become confused. See I was born a Catholic but, I really wasn't raised going to Church or praying or anything like that, basically not practicing anything.

I was always told Jesus is the Son of God and that he was from Bethlehem and that's about it. Well now I'm told Jesus was from Nazareth. Is Nazareth another name for Bethlehem or was he born in Nazareth? Could someone explain this to me please.

Answer 1

that I recall he was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth. it was old testament prophecy that he had to be born in Bethlehem and you know you can't fight that! :)

Answer 2

It means house of bread.  Jesus is the bread of life.  There are several Bible verses that speak of a location attached to the Messiah.  "Out of Egypt," Bethlehem, Nazareth and Galilee.  Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fled to Egypt, raised in Nazareth and ministered in Galilee.  

Answer 3

Mary and St. Joseph were from Nazareth, but had to make a long and treacherous journey to Bethlehem for a census.  When they arrived, there was no room for them at the inn, so the Virgin Mary had to give birth to Jesus in a stable. They later moved back to Nazareth.

God bless!

Dave