It’s Advent again. Another year when we could easily remain in Nazareth — our default life, filled with lists, projects and ideas of what Christmas “should” look like. Alas, we know that rhythm all too well — how it can warp this sacred season, leading to a Christmas morning of exhausted hearts wrapped in festive paper.
What if, this year, we accept the invitation to truly make the journey, to leave Nazareth behind and walk with Mary and Joseph toward a humbler home? So often, we’ve rushed — or skipped — this journey, fast-forwarding to Christmas morning in Bethlehem. But what if we set out on that road with them and shared in their anticipation of the Christ Child?
We picture Mary, alternating between joyful prayer and deep exhaustion, and Joseph, tender, attentive and protective. They must have stopped and rested often. And when they finally arrived, they found only closed doors. Yet here’s what strikes us: Because their hearts were open — to God and to each other — the rejection didn’t discourage them. Their confidence in God’s promise remained unshaken.
This is the Advent decision we face as spouses. We can stay in Nazareth with our self-reliance, convinced it’s up to us to fix whatever is frayed in our family with a “perfect” holiday. Or we can risk everything and join the Holy Family on the road — trusting that when we arrive at a new home on Christmas, one transformed by Christ’s presence, the Lord will provide.
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SOREN AND EVER JOHNSON have five children and are co-founders of Trinity House Community. Soren is a member of Holy Family Council 6831 in Leesburg, Va.






