Advent’s most challenging week has arrived!

John the Baptist takes center stage, and he's not here to comfort - but convict.

He's asking all of Judea to repent. And if he came to us today, of what might he ask us to repent?

Here’s a Top Ten list...

• Not getting to know ourselves.
• Refusing to face the demons.
• Getting too busy to do it right.
• Beating ourselves up for not meeting unrealistic expectations.
• Giving up.
• Refusing to be vulnerable.
• Settling.
• Not being hopeful.
• Neglecting the poor.
• Putting peace over justice.

See yourself anywhere?

Naming our shortcomings is the first step to improving upon them.

So what are yours?

Using Advent as a preview to a cozy Christmas and not as a challenge to dig in and do the work robs the season of its power. If Advent is about preparing, it’s more than fun and games.