The journey through Advent is a preparation to receive God as He comes to us as a baby. As a sign of this preparation, some families have the tradition of adding pieces of straw to the manger throughout Advent so that baby Jesus will have a warm and comfortable place to lay His head. Good hospitality is generously receiving others and providing a comfortable, warm, clean space where they can feel at home. We want to provide that type of hospitality to Jesus and all the little ones He identifies with.
In today’s Gospel, God sends His angel “to prepare a people fit for the Lord” (Lk 1:17). The first words the angel says to Zechariah are “Do not be afraid” (Lk 1:13). So much discomfort is caused by fear, stress, and anxiety. So that our hearts can be consoled and become places of comfort for Him and others, God sends his messenger to remind us that we do not need to be afraid. Let’s receive the comfort of knowing that God does not want us to fear Him but wants to increase our peace with His presence.
The angel also announces to Zechariah, “Your prayer has been heard” (Lk 1:13). Warmth fills our hearts when we realize how much we are loved and cared for. Let’s remember all the times and ways that God has answered our prayers and allow His love and care to warm our hearts.
The angel is standing on the right side of the altar; the right side signifies salvation (Mt 25:33f). Our God is coming to save us from our sins. He wants to purify our hearts and make them clean. Let’s open our hearts to generously receive Jesus- “God Saves”- and allow Him to accomplish His saving mission within us by cleansing our hearts.
Unlike Zechariah, let’s have the faith to believe that God can transform our hearts. May they become places of comfort, warmth, and purity so that baby Jesus - and everyone we encounter - receives a sense of being at home. Instead of being mute because of disbelief, let’s “proclaim the wondrous deeds of what the Lord has done for us.” (cf. Ps. 71/Lk 1:25).
