Values controversy in Christmas gospel [View All]

Here's are the verses from the Christmas Gospel in Luke from NIV.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The common interpretation that is taught about these verses is that Mary and Joseph had to take shelter in a stable because all of the rooms in the inn were taken. They were simply late-comers for the census and had to take whatever lodgings were left.

However, I believe that what actually happened was a little more complicated. I think Mary and Joseph were turned away because an unmarried pregnant girl and her live-in fiance were unwelcome in any 'decent' lodgings.

And I find it a little strange that they are looking for room at an inn to begin with. Joseph has to travel to Bethlehem because he is of the 'house and line' of David. In short, his family is from the area and certainly should have relatives nearby. Are the local boy and his pregnant girlfriend unwelcome in their homes?

What do you think?