Chapter 11 – Advent’s Way to the House of Bread: The Second Night on the Journey

The Second Night on the Journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem – A Stop in Galilee – Advent’s Way to the House of Bread

As they drew closer, the light flickered more distinctly, and even Gabi could make it out. At last, they stood before a humble shepherd’s shed, shrouded in the evening mist.

The hospitable shepherds welcomed them warmly and quickly tidied the interior for the weary travellers. They spread fresh straw for them to sit on and handed Joseph some kindling for a fire, which would soon fill the space with a warm, friendly glow.

The children smiled, feeling the safety and kindness of their hosts. The fear that had appeared in their eyes at the sight of so many strangers melted away, replaced by a sense of calm and gratitude.

An older shepherd appeared in the doorway, carrying a narrow, brown jug. He poured its contents into small clay cups. The travellers drank the milk gratefully—it was still warm, thick, and fragrant with the scent of sheep’s fleece.

At home, the children would hardly touch such a drink; Marcel usually claimed, “Goat’s milk smells as if the goat is guarding it inside itself.” But now they asked no questions. The aroma was familiar enough, whether from goat or sheep, and in this welcoming setting, they felt shy about complaining. They thanked the shepherds politely.

One sturdy, cheerful shepherd added a touch of encouragement. Gently nudging Marcel in the shoulder, he smiled as if about to play a little trick. “Drink up, boy!” he winked. “You’ll regain your strength at once. And if you drink it all, even the sheep that gave this milk will be proud of you!”

Gabi giggled softly, and Marcel, with his usual playful grin—brave and cheerful by nature - felt a mix of embarrassment and amusement at the shepherd’s joke. He lifted his cup and took a sip, trying not to make too much of a face.

Miriam, standing nearby, smiled gently, seeing the children overcoming their shyness. Her gaze was full of encouragement and tact, as if to say, “These are good people… you are safe here.”

Joseph also lifted his eyes from the fire. He noticed Marcel’s expression after the first sip and, feigning utmost seriousness, added: “See? Life on the road has its flavours. Some are tougher…” (he glanced at the boy’s cup) “…and others, thankfully, pass quicker than you think.”

The shepherds laughed quietly. One patted another on the shoulder and murmured, “That little one has courage. The first sip of sheep’s milk is a greater test for many than crossing the mountains!”

Encouraged by the warm atmosphere, Gabi lifted her cup and cautiously sniffed the milk. Surprised by its gentle aroma, she whispered, “It’s not scary at all…” But with one hand she pinched her nose, while the other tipped the cup to her lips.

Mary, placing her hand on Gabi’s shoulder, whispered, “Sometimes what we fear turns out to be a gift.”

The fire crackled in the quiet, and above them, the winter sky glimmered with the first stars. The mood of the evening grew lighter, warmer—as if, with that single cup of milk, the children were truly welcomed into the circle of travellers.

Nightfall came. The shepherds went back to tend their flocks, leaving the family in the warm shed.

They ended the day with a shared prayer:

[Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu lishmor et hanefesh v’la’anachot beshalom.]

“Blessed are You, Lord, God of the universe, who sanctifies us with Your commandments and instructs us to care for our souls and rest in peace.”

Each wrapped themselves in a woollen blanket on their straw bedding. As Marcel turned to his side, he noticed in the moonlight streaming through the cracks in the walls that Miriam knelt with her hands raised, absorbed in deep prayer.

Joseph, too, was awake, praying in his own way.

Marcel pulled the blanket over his head and quickly drifted into a deep, sound sleep. He dreamed of a day full of surprises along the Advent’s Way to the House of Bread, from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

Chapter 12 – Advent’s Way to the House of Bread: A Surprising Encounter

The Psalms have accompanied people for centuries on journeys, escapes, returns, and nights spent “on the outskirts.” They were the prayers of pilgrims, families, exiles, and those who had no temple—only the road.

Prayer on the road with the Psalms means allowing God’s Word to go with us, exactly to the places where we are.

When you cannot sleep, repeat the words from Psalm 3:

“Lord, You are a shield around me… I lie down and sleep, and I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I am not afraid of thousands of people who have set themselves against me on every side… You are my glory, the One who lifts up my head.”