It is the final Sunday of Advent. Before we focus on today’s readings did you notice the pattern or themes of the Sunday Gospels over the four weeks? The pattern is the same in each of the Sundays of our three-year cycle.

Rejoice in the Lord always; like John, we are to be witnesses to the goodness of God

Gospel: John 1: 6–8, 19–28
He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

There was and is good news in our lives; how are we good news for others?

Gospel: Mark 1: 1–8
Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight His paths

The central figure in today’s Mass is John the Baptist. And the overall theme of the readings is the announcement and preparation for the coming of the Lord.

I’m dating myself here.. When I was young breaking news, fires, earthquakes, war, etc., came by interruptions in our radio, or TV programs. Big news also made the front pages of newspapers (which left ink-stained fingers).