Chapter 19 – Advent’s Way to the House of Bread: Journey through Judea Between the Jordan and Jerusalem

The side road was quiet, and the morning sun was just waking up the hills. Miriam and Józef smiled at each other, ready for another day of their journey. Each step brought new sights, sounds, and small wonders to discover along the way.

Journey through Judea Between the Jordan and Jerusalem - Advent’s Way to the House of Bread

They had about seven hours of travel left to Bethlehem. They chose the route between the Jordan and Jerusalem.

Well-rested, they rose with the sun and, after their morning rituals, set off straight toward Jerusalem.

They walked all day, as before, taking short breaks in the shade of scattered olive and fig trees. The hilly terrain of Judea revealed beautiful views: in the distance, the red roofs of Bethany gleamed, and on the hills to the right, the walls of Jerusalem loomed.

Bethany was a small village located about three kilometres east of Jerusalem. Joseph explained:

"Bethany is a place where people live quietly, taking care of their fields and animals. Jerusalem, however, is the capital, where pilgrims, merchants, and caravans all come together. The Roman emperor has issued a decree for a census throughout the empire to collect taxes. Every Palestinian must go to their ancestral city, where they were born. That is why we are going to Bethlehem, the city of David, because it is our family town. Others are going to their own hometowns, which is why the main roads are so busy."

The children watched people preparing for their journeys: some led donkeys with sacks, others filled water skins, and in the distance, shepherds called to their flocks. Marcel and Gabi saw families moving toward their hometowns, and only then did they realize that the whole land truly teems with life, and their journey is part of a greater plan.

They continued from this short stop.

As usual, observant Marcel noticed large vultures flying overhead and small flocks of quails scattering in panic. Gabi gazed at the wheat and barley fields, dotted with olive and fig orchards.

“Look, Marcel! Look!” Gabi shouted, pointing at a distant caravan.

“It looks like a long snake of boxes and sacks on the camels’ backs!”

Marcel looked carefully and smiled.

“Yes, indeed. And that camel in front seems to have forgotten that people are leading it - it looks like it wants to turn back and go to Bethany for lunch!”

Gabi laughed loudly.

“Come on! Bethany is too small. Imagine the camel saying, ‘Hey, wait! I want to explore Judea too!"

The children fell into their usual playful mood. Perhaps with jokes, like a soft woolen blanket, they covered their nervousness and fatigue. What they faced could overwhelm even an adult. Maybe the peace and grace of the Holy Family protected them from tears and despair. Or maybe children can hide more than adults imagine? Either way, they were getting closer to the goal of their journey.

The caravan reached a main crossroads, where roads from Galilee, Samaria, and the Mediterranean coast converged, leading to Jerusalem. On the rocky clearing, different travellers passed one another - women with young children, shepherds leading flocks of sheep and goats, merchants with donkeys carrying sacks of dried figs and dates. The smell of fresh bread from a nearby inn filled the air, while quails clucked and vultures cried in the distance.

By the crossroads stood an old well, where a few women drew water in wicker buckets. Nearby, a small chapel shone in the afternoon sun. Marcel and Gabi watched the activity with wonder. Marcel was in a good mood and could not stop laughing as he watched the camels.

Among the crowd were also Roman soldiers. They walked in light armour, helmets on their heads. It must have been hot and uncomfortable. They kept order on the roads, and the children observed them with curiosity.

Joseph smiled and slowly led them onto a hidden path, away from the main road. The children ran after him, imagining how many adventures might happen before reaching Bethlehem.

As the sun began to set, they arrived at a wealthy house on a small hill, with views of the surrounding fields and a few villages. The young owners, busy with worldly matters and trade, paid little attention to the travellers. They provided shelter, making it clear it was a significant kindness to the visitors.

This, too, is part of Advent’s way to the House of Bread. Turn the page gently, and let your imagination wander with them… Who will they meet, what songs will they hear, and what little mysteries will unfold as the day continues?

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.

Today, repeat from Psalm 40,5:

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who puts their hope in the Lord.”

Chapter 20 – Advent’s Way to the House of Bread: A Day with the Hospitable Shepherds of Judea