December 1 marks the official start of Advent. Advent is the traditional time for many people to prepare for Christmas. In our world, that means buying a little calendar that you can pop Santa-shaped chocolates out of, going shopping for all your presents, and decorating your house. But Advent can be so much more. It can be a time to prepare us for what lies ahead, the gift of life which we've been given. It can be a time of intentionality, focus, peace, love, and joy. We hav