Mark begins his story well before Jesus. Let's examine closer:
1. Why does it happen in the wilderness? Because the gospel brings us where we don't want to go.
2. Why at the Jordan River? Because the gospel indicates that things are about to change--we are at a crossroads in life.
3. Why baptism? Because the gospel strips us of what is unclean to give us what we truly need.

Repentance isn't just saying "sorry" for the bad we've done. It also means giving up what we cling to that might seem good, in which we find our identity and meaning--if that thing isn't Christ. We must let go, so that there is room for Jesus to take priority.

Advent means God is coming to find us. Our job is to make room.