1. Birth and Lineage: Mary was born to Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, a couple from Nazareth, a town in Galilee. According to the Gospel of Luke, she was a relative of Elizabeth, who was married to the priest Zechariah.
2. Presentation and Consecration: In some early apocryphal texts and traditions, it is mentioned that Mary was dedicated to God at a young age. This act of consecration was called "Presentation of Mary."
3. Nazareth and Early Life: Mary grew up in Nazareth, a humble town in Galilee. She likely received an education typical for girls of that time, which might have involved learning domestic and religious skills.
4. Annunciation: The pivotal moment in Mary's life occurred when the angel Gabriel appeared to her and announced that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. This event is known as the Annunciation.
5. Visitation: After the Annunciation, Mary traveled to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. During this encounter, Elizabeth praised Mary as "blessed among women."
6. Marriage to Joseph: According to the Gospel of Matthew, Mary was betrothed to a carpenter named Joseph. In most Christian traditions, it is believed that Joseph and Mary lived a chaste marriage, with Joseph serving as a protector and father figure for Jesus.
7. Journey to Bethlehem: Close to the time of Jesus' birth, Mary and Joseph had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem due to the census ordered by Caesar Augustus. This journey involved a challenging and significant trek.
8. Birth of Jesus: In Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable or a cave, as there was no room for them in the inn. This momentous event is celebrated as Christmas by Christians worldwide.
It's important to note that many details about Mary's childhood come from later apocryphal texts and traditions, which may not be considered canonical in all Christian denominations. The accounts in the New Testament provide limited information about Mary's early years, focusing primarily on her role in the birth and life of Jesus.