Why Was Jesus Born in Bethlehem? December 01, 2016 / Ray Downing James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Saint Joseph Seeks a Lodging in Bethlehem , 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, A Roman emperor, a census, and a long trip. Read More categories / Archaeology, Art, Bible, Christianity, Jesus, New Testament, Religion, Science tags / Jesus, Jesus birth, Gospels, Joseph and Mary at the inn, Roman Census at the time of Jesus birth