In today's first reading from the prophet Isaiah we have the promise of a new shoot springing forth from the tree of Jesse. This shoot is of course the Messiah, the promised One who will be filled with the gifts of the Spirit. The Messianic reign will bring universal peace and justice especially for the poor. In this reading we are also presented with a beautiful picture of the harmony of paradise where all can live together in peace.

As we look at our world today and see the strife and destruction in so many places we long for this peace and harmony. John's invitation to prepare the way of the Lord has a real and urgent message for all of us. Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. It is a time to look into our own hearts to see how we can bring about this peace and harmony within ourselves and in our relationship with others. St Paul invites us to follow the example of Christ and treat each other in the same friendly way that Christ treats us. World peace begins with each one of us and we pray each day for the coming of Christ's Kingdom among us, a Kingdom of truth and justice, of love and of peace.