John draws the year's clearest line today: do not love the world or anything in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Then the reason, which is not scolding but physics: the world and its desires pass away.

You were built for what lasts. And the pilgrim psalms begin today, fifteen songs for people traveling home. Pack light.

Psalm 120 is a strange first song for a pilgrimage: no Jerusalem in sight, just distress, hostile neighbors, and homesickness. But that is where every road toward God actually starts, with the ache of not belonging where you are. Discontent with Meshek is the first grace.

John names why the ache is trustworthy: the world and its desires pass away, all three appetites included, while the one who does God's will lives forever. Advent-hearted people learn to read their restlessness as a compass. You are not home yet. Start climbing.