In the gospel, John the Baptist repeats Isaiah’s prophecy about a time to come when ground will be made level and paths straight.

DO YOU KNOW how the Old Testament ends? The final book is Malachi, which is not a featured reading for today. Malachi’s prophecies, written in the fifth century B.C., conclude on an expectant but ominous note.

In the 15th year of the rule of Caesar Tiberius, John, out in the desert at the time, received a message from God. He went all through the country around the Jordan River preaching a baptism of life.

The prophets Baruch and Isaiah tell us that the world will soon be able to leave behind the sinfulness that isolates us and leaves us in mourning, to instead rejoice in the presence of the Messiah being in our midst and living among us. This will fill us with joy.

My friends in Christ, we continue the season of Advent when we ready ourselves for the coming of God’s presence in Christ.

Luke’s lineup of political rulers points a finger at some of Christ’s opposition to come: Pilate—his executioner; Herod Antipas and Philip—the brothers to whom the Romans handed the kingdom of their father Herod the Great; and Annas and Caiaphas—his persecutors. Weak men all, in a way.

To find joy in another’s joy, that is the secret of happiness. —George Bernanos