There has been a sense of urgency though. Advent begins with the admonition to “Be Alert!” “Stay awake!” “Be watchful!” This advice is meant to help us be prepared for the coming of the Lord.

John was preparing people to receive the Lord when he came. As John stated, Jesus was in their midst, but they didn’t recognize Him.

“After me comes He who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Today is the first Sunday in Advent. It is also the first Sunday of the liturgical year. Hopefully, you noticed something similar in the readings to the way that the previous liturgical year just ended. Did you? The last several weeks of the previous liturgical year contained the message to be prepared.