The Christmas season is filled with sound. We sing carols, hear beautiful music, hear the voice of angels, and listen to the Christmas story. Those aren’t the only sounds, though. So many other sounds compete for our attention. The sounds of commercials, crowds, and traffic. The voices of reporters, politicians, and pundits. The cacophony of social media. It’s all so loud! Just as it is hard to focus and actually hear someone talking to you in the middle of a loud, busy place, it can be hard to hear the voice of God when we are surrounded by so much noise. When we truly seek to communicate with another person, we may need to find a quiet place. Or, at least we need to eliminate some distractions. Put down the cell phone. Turn off the TV. Turn down the music. Look them in the eyes and truly listen. The Advent season calls us to listen to God. St. Mark begins his Gospel with a prophecy fulfilled – a story we often encounter in Advent: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ (Mark 1:1-3) John the Baptist calls out to get humanity’s attention. Listen to God’s message! The time has come. The Lord is near. Prepare his way! Listen to his voice. Over and over again, God’s word calls us to listen. His people are blessed when they pay attention. Think of Samuel when God called; he eventually responded: Speak, Lord, for your servant hears. (1 Samuel 3:7) Jesus teaches us Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it! (Luke 11 28) And St. Paul reminds us faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17) Over and over again, God calls us to listen. He demands our attention because his message is of critical importance. It is the only saving word. We need to hear his call of hope and salvation. Listen and hear the promises of God. Listen and be reminded of his grace and mercy. Listen as he speaks words of love to you. Listen, and remember that God is also listening to you. The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. (Psalm 34:15) Stop, focus, and listen, for God is calling you this Advent.