While the advent of God’s coming with its promise of fulfilment show us that God works within everyday life, John the Baptist, on the other hand proclaims the kind of transformation that results in a change of heart. Reversals characterise such transformation: the robe of mourning is replaced by the splendour of glory; tears are turned into rejoicing; those led away by enemies are brought back by God; valleys are filled, mountains are levelled, winding roads are made straight; even nature offers itself as shelter for the people of God. Those who are shamed and discarded are made glorious; those who suffer are comforted; the oppressed are freed; all of life’s obstacles are removed; the way to God is made straight; the natural world enjoys peace and harmony. The transformation or repentance of heart takes place within human life, within relationships of justice between people and with the earth, in right living, in genuine unselfish love. It produces the fruits of righteousness of which Paul speaks. Advent is the time to prepare ourselves for this.