The Straw Gatherer

“Welcome once more. We are in Day 23 of Advent,
and this is Tiny Advent Parables with Fr. Dominic —
where we prepare room for Jesus in simple, human ways.”

“Today’s parable comes from a stable…
where a young boy gathered straw.”

“A village boy was asked to prepare the manger
for the Christmas night service.
He gathered handfuls of straw,
softening the hard wooden trough.
Each handful represented something:
one for kindness,
one for patience,
one for prayer,
one for forgiveness.
When he finished,
he stepped back
and whispered,
‘Now the Child will have a soft place to rest.’
He didn’t realize
he was softening his own heart.”

“Preparing for Christ
is not about grand gestures.
It is about small acts of love
that soften the manger of your heart.
Every prayer is a straw.
Every act of mercy
a fresh bundle.
Every moment of humility,
every decision to forgive,
every gentle word —
they prepare a place
where Jesus delights to rest.
Your heart is His Bethlehem.”

“So today ask:
‘What straw can I add to my manger?’
Whisper:
‘Lord Jesus, make my heart ready for You.’”