Simple Choices to Make Room for Jesus in Advent

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Simple Choices to Make Room for Jesus in Advent

‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight’ Mark 1:3

It takes a simple yes to make room for Jesus in our inn this Advent, but it means saying no to choices society tries so terribly hard to force on us.

The Meaning of Advent

Advent means “coming.” It is a time of waiting, joyful anticipation, and preparation. When we think of preparing for Christmas, it is easy to think of putting up a tree, decorating with lights, or baking cookies.

But more importantly, it is a time to prepare ourselves.

There is a Catholic tradition to help us in that preparation. The idea also practiced during the season of Lent is to offer something up during Advent.

Making Better Choices

We live in a day and age when the whole western world is programmed to consume and be comfortable. Buying into these choices fills our schedules with things that need attention, our stomachs full of food, and our homes full of things we think we need. These are choices that fill us to the brim.

When we fast, either from food or something else, we consciously make room within our lives and ourselves. When we choose to fast for a day, we can hear our stomachs growl and listen to our bodies preparing a space, a place within us, and our lives. We are preparing for His coming.

As Christmas approaches every year, I often think of those who turned away Joseph and Mary because of their full rooms. I often imagine what if I had been the one on whose door they knocked? Would I have had room? Would I have made room? I certainly hope so.

In Good Company

When I reflect on people in the Bible that welcomed Jesus, Martha and Mary come to mind. “Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.” Luke 10:38.

We all have the opportunity to welcome Jesus every time we receive communion. Like our fast during Advent, we fast for an hour before receiving communion. What a privilege it is to prepare a place for Him.

Make it Unique

But our communion fast is not our only opportunity to prepare ourselves to receive Jesus. And because we are unique, we can use what we know to fashion a personalized plan for our fasting. It might be fasting from speaking an unkind word, skipping some peeks at our phone, or getting out of bed promptly rather than relying on the snooze button.

Here’s a tip: Ask your Guardian Angel for some insight on what you should fast from to best prepare your space for Jesus this Advent. And by the way, it doesn’t need to be an enormous fast, but do it with love. Maybe skip the salt at dinner every other day or say a Hail Mary at the stoplight. The important thing is to do it with love and the thought that it’s preparing a space in us for Him.

The saints offer a treasury of suggestions too. St. Herman Joseph comes to mind. As a young monk, he served his brethren wholeheartedly; his sole regret was lack of time for prayer. But Our Lady appeared to him and explained that work done with love for others is a most pleasing prayer to God. Inspired, he worked enthusiastically and was made sacristan, moving him closer to the Real Presence.

Being Near Jesus

As we read earlier in the gospel of Luke, Martha prepares for our Lord, but Mary is the one praised for finding a place at Our Lord’s feet.

In preparation for Jesus’ birth, let us strive to be “Marthas” during this advent season so that we can receive Jesus as “Marys” this Christmas.