John's preparation was characterized by his uncompromising hope and his strong sense of expectation. Most of the followers of Judaism had an anticipation that a savior would come from Jerusalem but this savior begins the process in the wilderness the place associated with evil and the devil- the place of trial and endurance. It is from the wilderness that there will be new life and the forgiveness for all God's children. On the other hand, the wilderness becomes a symbol of a time and place where God's people, the original Jews went through 40 years of vigorous disciplines preparing them for their promised salvation and entrance into the promised land. The baptism of John followed by the baptism of Jesus allows another new thing for all of God's people.
Baptism is a spiritual cleansing when sins are confessed and repudiated.
Sins are thrown away, they are cast off. This is a time of year of preparation and anticipation. Christmas preparations for Americans means buying gifts, this year there may be buying on line. It's putting up the Christmas tree, decorating the house. It's about special parties and gatherings, sending out cards and baking.