The series “Advent’s Way to the House of Bread”

What Advent’s Way to the House of Bread Means to Me

The series “Advent’s Way to the House of Bread” is my personal, prayerful interpretation of events from 2,000 years ago. It is also a proposal for experiencing Advent day by day, step by step, slowly and systematically, building bonds and learning presence—25 chapters, 25 encounters with yourself, your children or grandchildren, with Mary—Miriam and Joseph. It is my entry into Christmas and a prayer for those who read it.

The House of Bread is a symbolic reference to Bethlehem (Beit Lechem, בֵּית לֶחֶם), whose name in Hebrew literally means “House of Bread.” It is here that Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) was born – the Bread of Life (Lechem HaChayim, לֶחֶם הַחַיִּים**), who nourishes not only the body but above all the soul. In this small town, God revealed Himself to the world in simplicity, offering daily sustenance (lechem tamid, לֶחֶם תָּמִיד), which becomes a source of eternal life. Every act of sharing this bread – both physical and spiritual – becomes a way to experience His presence and participate in the mystery of Salvation.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who nourishes us with bread and the gifts of the earth. [Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, she-zan et ha-olam be-lechem.] Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam… who fills us with Your Spirit and guides us along the Way of Life.

Pronouncing the words “Baruch Atah Adonai” in the language of Jesus (Aramaic/Hebrew) works similarly to the Church’s Latin prayers - both languages carry constancy, rhythm, and spiritual depth, regardless of changing vernaculars. Aramaic was the everyday and prayer language in Jesus’ time; Greek allowed the Gospel to spread; Latin, for centuries, unified the Church’s liturgy, preserving the sacred rhythm and power of the Word.

Only national languages made prayer accessible to everyone, translating the meaning of the words but sometimes losing the original vibration and rhythm that carries the heart’s energy. Therefore, combining prayers in their original languages with vernaculars allows us to experience both meaning, energy, and rhythm - just as in the Psalms, where words themselves carry the presence of God.

The stories are designed so you can replace Gabi and Marcel with the names of the children you read to. You can make it your own personal story. You can also walk this path from Nazareth to Bethlehem with Miriam and Yosef, reflecting each day on an event from the daily life of the Holy Family or offering a short prayer, dedicating each day to a different person. Presence and memory are what matter. Sometimes we cannot give more than a kind word or a prayer.

Time spent with a child or children, even five to ten minutes a day, not only builds bonds but becomes a prayer on their behalf. By turning their attention away from ourselves and pointing toward Miriam, who always leads along the shortest path to Jesus - Yeshua - we also create a moment for prayer for peace, love, faith… for learning reflection, meditation, contemplation… mindfulness. What was once natural and integrated into everyday life has now become a luxury, therapy, a practice - simply living in harmony with nature and one’s own identity. It is an invitation, first to myself, then to you. Believe me, work, prayer, time with Miriam and Joseph, Gabi and Marcel, has deeply transported me through time and space and revealed the depth of God’s presence - Abba - the Creator. I lingered long, because I wanted to, because I could… and I still can. It is a very personal form. There are no fixed records. I did not encounter any. Even the Gospels do not fully repeat themselves, and facts are hard to pinpoint. That is why entering the way with Mary becomes so deeply personal. One must see it through the eyes of the soul. And this is my most beautiful discovery. I hope it will be the same for you.

Why Include Hebrew Words?

In Jewish and early Christian tradition, a name was sacred, and pronouncing it consciously and respectfully became an act of praise. The sound of the name itself carried its meaning and energy.

Miriam (מִרְיָם) is the original form of the biblical name, of uncertain etymology, most often interpreted as “bringing joy,” “beautiful,” “wondrous,” or “beloved by God.”

The Hebrew meaning of Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) is “Yahweh is salvation” or “God saves.” It is a shortened, common form of the biblical name Jehoshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ), containing the name of God (Yahweh/JHWH) and the verb “to save,” referring to his saving mission. Through Greek (Iēsous) and Latin, this name became Jesus.

Pronouncing its original form in prayer is not just speaking a word—it calls forth the presence of the person and God’s promise, connects the heart to history, turns language into an act of praise, and trains mindfulness. Repeating the name teaches focus, respect, and openness of heart. In the simplicity of its sound lies spiritual power and deep truth.

The Hebrew meaning of Joseph (יוסף – Yosef) is “May Yahweh add” or “God multiplies,” from the verb jasaf (“to add, give”) and the name of God, Yahweh (Jeho). It is a blessing expressing the wish that God would grant offspring, prosperity, and care, as reflected in biblical figures such as the patriarch Joseph or Saint Joseph. Saint Joseph’s life shows how faithful love, obedience, and protection of the family are a response to God’s blessing.

Walking this Advent path with Miriam, Yeshua, and Joseph invites us to enter daily life with awareness, reverence, and love. Every small act, every word, every prayer can carry the presence of God into our homes and hearts. By observing, listening, and offering our attention, we learn that Advent is not only preparation for Christmas—it is a journey of the heart, where each day becomes an opportunity to practice love, patience, and gratitude. May this journey guide your steps, open your heart, and deepen your awareness of God’s gentle presence in every moment.

Lord, thank You for each day of this journey. Please fill the hearts of those who read with Your love and peace. Help them discover joy in simple gestures, patience in difficulties, and gratitude in everyday life.

Baruch Atah Adonai, our God, King of the universe, who nourishes us with bread and the gift of life. As Psalm 23 says: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,” guide their steps, open their hearts, and let them experience Your presence in every moment. Amen.

The series “Advent’s Way to the House of Bread”

Seria „Adwentowa droga do Domu Chleba”

If you feel it’s worth sharing, so that other children can discover Advent’s Way to the House of Bread, send the link to another mother or grandmother. Preserving valuable old traditions and creating new ones is a bridge between generations, and every shared moment on this journey builds a bond that also connects like a bridge of the heart.

Perhaps you would like to enter into a different relationship with Mary by entrusting your heart to her Immaculate Heart through the Mary 33 novena?

I invite you to this sacred journey of preparing the heart for an exchange with God’s grace, opening yourself to the call of Mary, the Mother of Peace, and taking part in the fulfillment of Heaven’s promise. Mary forgets no one.

Mary 33 

Maryja 33