Mark 1:1-3 (NIVUK)
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, 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.”’
On Sunday we looked at how the different Gospel writers cover Christmas. Mark doesn’t have a nativity story, however, sharp eyes will spot his opening verse has the phrase ‘the good news about Jesus the Messiah’. Good news here is the same word as ‘Gospel’, the phrase used in association with the birth and / or victory of a Roman Emperor. Whether or not he is referring to his birth, Mark’s point is clear, the coming of Jesus is the coming of a greater king than Caesar, and he is the true Good News, not Rome nor any other human power or authority. He alone is able to bring us true peace.
Father, this Christmas, help us to be like John the Baptist (the one Isaiah foresees), pointing people to the true good news of this season.
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