It is strange that the gospel read at the beginning of the time of preparation for Christmas is that of the end of the whole history of the world.  
Yet that is not really surprising.  For what is afoot in a small beginning is best recognized by the magnitude of its end.  What was really meant
and actually happened by the coming, the “advent,” of the redeemer is best gathered from that completion of his coming which we rather misleadingly
call the “second coming.”  For in reality, it is the fulfillment of his one coming which is still in progress at the present time.
—Karl Rahner

How do you prepare for the season of Advent?  Is it different than the preparation for Christmas?  How can you make the time for Advent preparation more intentional?  

Find a quiet place.   Close your eyes.  Slowly breathe in and out. Empty your mind of all that needs to be done, that is trying to get your attention.  After a few minutes of silence, read:
Awake my soul, arise and shake,
No time to ever ponder,
Keep awake, keep awake
Lest ye be rent asunder.
I will be good, I will be free,
I’ll hate the old deceiver.
No earthly tie shall fetter me,
I’ll be a good believer.
--Shaker song, Nineteenth century

Practice lectio divina using:
Whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.  May the God of endurance and encouragement grant us to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
--Romans 15:4-6, 13