“When Heaven Meets Earth: A Welcome Surprise”
Mark 1:1-8, {1} The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah,[a] the Son of God, {2} as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”—{3} “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” {4} And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. {5} The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. {6} John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. {7} And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. {8} I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”