The word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, 
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:
    A voice of one crying out in the desert:
    “Prepare the way of the Lord,
        make straight his paths.” (Lk 3:1-6)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120521.cfm
John the Baptist challenges us all to “Prepare the way of the Lord” not in fear, rather with rejoicing.