Prepare the Way for the LORD

(Matthew 3:1–12, Mark 1:1–8, Luke 3:1–20, John 1:19–28)

40 “Comfort, comfort My people,”

says your God.

2 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

and proclaim to her

that her forced labor has been completed;

her iniquity has been pardoned.

For she has received from the hand of the LORD

double for all her sins.”

3 A voice of one calling:

“Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness;[fn]

make a straight highway for our God in the desert.[fn]

4 Every valley shall be lifted up,

and every mountain and hill made low;

the uneven ground will become smooth,

and the rugged land a plain.[fn]

5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,

and all humanity together will see it.[fn]

For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”