You’re right, it doesn’t. That Mary and Joseph likely stayed with family (not sure about friends) is based on what we know about Middle Eastern hospitality in those days. To have a guest of any type was considered a great honor, and a disgrace if one couldn’t take care of them. The fact that David’s descendents – all of them, including Joseph – were returning to Bethlehem made it quite possible that Joseph and Mary were staying with distant cousins. But this is, as you point out, a speculative argument from silence. One thing is pretty certain, from what we know – There were no Mariott or Hilton hotels back then. The “inn” almost certainly was someone’s home – much like Bed and Breakfasts today.

History also tells us that caves were very common abodes for animals; they were “God made,” and plentiful in the area. Again, however, this is not specifically mentioned in scripture, although the Church of the Nativity is actually built over one (for what that is worth).

You are are great encouragement! Thanks, and blessings on your ministry!