In my earliest memory as an altar server at the Christmas Liturgy, the pageant held before Mass began in complete darkness. From the darkness, a single spotlight illuminated a half-clothed man beating his staff on the floor, slowly walking through the darkened church, crying out, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” As a teenager, I remember feeling how strikingly different this scene was from the warm, comforting sentiments that usually accompany the season. This was my earliest memory of the voice crying out int he wilderness.

What can we learn from the forerunner of Christ at this early stage of the Advent season? Here are three ways the Baptist can speak to our hearts.

Be simple. There can be plenty of social pressure to throw that holiday party, buy more ornaments from the tree, and pack the house with gifts. At the heart of our preparation, we hear of a man clothed in camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waste who ate locusts and wild honey. John focused on preparing the Lord’s coming. That first Christmas was simple, ours can be as well. Look to John who focused on what was most important.

Be attentive to God’s voice. John recognized the Lord’s presence in his silence as Mary greeted his mother. John leaped in his mother’s womb. From the womb and throughout his life, he was attentive to the voice of the Lord. Because he was attentive, he recognized the Lamb of God (John 1:29). How can our whole life right now be attentive to the voice of God?

Turn away from sin. A life of sin separates us from the love of God. Take up the promptings of your heart to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and return to the love of God.