Today marks the first Sunday during the season of Advent. These next four weeks are a time set apart to prepare for the miracle of Christ’s birth. This Sunday, we reflect upon promises made in the Old Testament, and the hope steeped within them.

Mark 1: 1-3

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way”
“a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”