I used to think the word “Advent” meant waiting, because this is a time of waiting. You open the windows of the Advent calendar, waiting for Christmas. I feel like I’m waiting now for this Covid thing to be over. We’re waiting for the vaccine.
But the word “Advent” means “coming.” Christmas is coming. Those shepherds, when the angels came, they had no idea what good news was there, but they were assured the good news is here. So put up the decorations; Christmas is coming. That’s Advent.