Today we started the day quite early: 4:30 am to be exact. Destination: La Caye a beautiful beach city south east from Port Au Prince. Upon arrival we went to see an old friend of mine, Sr Genova MC. While waiting for her we made a visit to Jesus in the Chapel. As every chapel of the Missionaries, only the essentials: almost empty, no furniture, the tabernacle to the left, the crucifix in the middle with the words beside – “I Thirst” — and our Blessed Mother to the right.
Something else was there this time: an empty shoe box warped with brown paper with the words “Come Jesus Come.” The box was empty but for a few sticks, symbolizing the manger. While contemplating it, I started reflecting on my own heart.
Advent, awaiting time, waiting in preparation to receive our Lord and Savior. In that moment, seeing that empty box, I looked at my heart. Is it empty? Empty in order to receive Christ in 15 days? Or is it full of worries, preoccupations, concerns. This time of year is a busy time for everyone. Students are in final exams, businesses at the end of a fiscal year, retailers getting their best deals to sell all they can, families getting ready for visitors, presents, parties, vacations.
This empty box put my heart in the right place and helped me to redirect it. Don’t get lost in the busyness of Christmas. Let’s empty our hearts to get them ready to fill them with Baby Jesus and all He will bring us. Let’s empty the room of our hearts because if we don’t there will be no room for Jesus.
