Gospel of Jesus, before the Gospel of JesusThe Prophet Isaiah is one of the most important prophetic voices in the Scriptures and in the spiritual and historical life of Israel. The Book of Isaiah has been recognized as the “Gospel of Jesus, before the Gospel of Jesus”. It is the Prophet Isaiah who announces the Birth and Crucifixion of Jesus. He foretells the voice of one who preaches repentance and we meet that voice in our Gospel reading – John the Baptizer, who preaches repentance and forgiveness.Preparing for the Arrival of the Savior of HumankindThis Advent Season may we heed the call of the prophet from of yore. Preaching in the wilderness, John the Baptizer called his audience to repentance. And he calls us, through the ages, to prepare our hearts to experience the presence of God. May we prepare our hearts and minds and our very lives for the arrival of the Prince of Peace–the Lord Jesus Christ.