The Gospel writer Mark is not alone in his portrayal of the pivotal role that John the Baptist plays as the forerunner of Jesus Christ.  John the Baptist stood at the intersection of the Old and New Covenant; a true man of conviction that God had shaped and molded in the classical prophetic tradition.  The truth about the coming Messiah concealed in the Old Testament prophecies would be revealed through John's ministry and through the life, death and resurrection of the One John bore witness to.  This message inspires us during this Advent Season to do what John did – stand for the Truth, stand with the Truth and stand by the Truth!