God levels the playing field, making inroads into human life. While the advent of the Messiah is marked with hopeful expectation, preparing for His arrival is neither easy nor painless. Like lye soap administered with a bristled brush, the message we hear today stings. John the Baptist warns us to repent, warning us with words that are forceful, designed to confront our complacency. Like moving earth to build a new highway, we have to undergo some changes. But still, during the construction, Christ is coming…