Isaiah 11: 1-10
The prophet foretells the coming of the Messiah, bringing peace and the knowledge of the Lord.
Romans 15: 4-9
Paul exhorts his readers to take courage from the example of the faithful, and reminds them that Jesus came to spread the word among ‘pagans’.
Matthew 3: 1-12
John the Baptist baptises many people, and tells the Pharisees and Sadducees not to rely on their inheritance as Abraham’s descendants. He prophesies the coming of the Messiah.