Nobody's really likes Advent.
See, Advent is all about waiting. And, seriously, who likes waiting?
Sure, we like the things we're waiting for. In this case, we love Christmas. We love the lights, the presents, the carols. But, waiting for those things? Blah.
So, most of us just don't. We skip right to Christmas. We start singing "Joy to the World" as soon as Thanksgiving's over (or, maybe Halloween).
But, Advent is important for the very reason we'd rather not deal with it. Advent makes us slow down in a season that tempts us to run at full speed. Advent invites us to notice things we would rush right by.
Look, I'm not going to try to tell anyone not to listen to Christmas music until December 24. It's already playing around my house. But, I do hope that you pause. I hope that you breathe. I hope that you take a moment to notice God in the busyness of the season.

One thing I hope all of you do is bring one new person to church with you this month. Just one. It can be a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or a complete stranger. Invite them to slow down for just a moment and join you in the expectation and excitement of Advent.