Were Mary and Joseph Homeless?

In every city there is a great concern for those who are without homes. I
doubt that there is anyone who does not feel compassion for these people.
Many agencies seek to relieve this problem, and among them are local
religious groups. At this time of year it seems some of these groups go out
of their way to use Biblical characters to gain sympathy for their cause. Now
we are learning that Mary and Joseph were homeless! However, a brief review
of the scriptures will show that this is not so.

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was
first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed,
every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of
the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called
Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed
with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." (Luke 2:1-5)

Joseph lived in Nazareth. He was travelling to Bethlehem with Mary in order
to obey the government and pay taxes. A far cry from one who is without a
home and living on the streets. If one can pay his taxes, at least we can
assume he has some money or property to do so. This would also infer that
he had a way to get that money or property. Even if we are to include the
incident of the family going into Egypt and staying there before returning
to Nazareth, that incident was pronounced by God and He took care of them
while they were in Egypt (Matthew 2:13-23).

Mary and Joseph were not homeless! At the very least they were travelers.
Joseph was a responsible man who obeyed the government and paid his taxes.
It may touch a chord of sympathy with many to suggest that the homeless are
just like Mary and Joseph, but God's word proves otherwise. [JW]