The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ [Son of God].

As it stands written in Isaiah, the prophet:
Behold I send my messenger before your face, 
who will prepare your way. (Mal 3:1, Ex 23:20)

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 
‘Prepare the way of the Lord.
Make straight his paths.’ (Isa 40:3)

John appeared in the wilderness,
baptising,
and preaching a baptism of repentance
for the forgiveness of sins. 

Eternal Light, shine into our hearts;
Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil;
Eternal Power, be our support;
Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance:
That we may seek your face
with all our heart and mind and soul and strength. Amen.

Alcuin