Advent (from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival") is the four-week season of preparation for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. A good celebration requires proper preparation for us to fully enjoy it. During December, however, we mostly confuse helpful readiness for the hustle of Christmas shopping, parties, and preparations. The Advent season, more reflective in nature, can feel out of sync with all this noise and busyness.

John the Baptist is a good person to help us prepare for Christmas—he's the anti-Santa needed for our day. Trade the jolly laugh for an in-your-face intensity, the twinkle in the eye for a wildness about to interrupt your life, commanding our attention but always redirecting it towards Jesus. "Prepare the way for the Lord" is the Advent call to prepare yourself for the coming Messiah.

Advent, however, is not just about looking back, but looking forward. It’s a season of expectant waiting, tapping into the sense we have that all is not well, and our world is longing to be made right again. Advent is about restless hearts and weary people being reminded that the story isn’t over, and in the waiting for Christ’s second arrival, clinging to the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus has on offer.