Isaiah 40:1-5

Your God says, “Comfort, comfort my people. Speak kindly to Jerusalem and tell her, ‘Your time of service is finished. You have paid the price for your sins.’ I, the LORD, have punished you twice for every sin you committed.” Listen, there is someone shouting: “Prepare a way in the desert for the LORD. Make a straight road there for our God. Every valley must be filled. Every mountain and hill should be made flat. The crooked roads should be made straight, and the rough ground made smooth. Then the Glory of the LORD will be shown to everyone. Together, all people will see it. Yes, this is what the LORD himself said!”