The season leading up to Christmas can be filled with all kinds of messiness—especially relational tensions and conflicts. Many people grow frustrated when the most wonderful time of the year devolves into something mostly draining and exhausting.

The last thing anyone wants this time of year is another thing to do. So today, when we hear John the Baptist preach a fiery message about repentance, we may not be real excited to be hearers and doers of God’s Word.

How do you get ready for Christmas? Many begin to prepare their homes and hearts with music, decorations, and all kinds of baked goods. These traditions help us mark a shift in the season and prepare us for the joy of Christmas.