A voice cries out,“Prepare in the wilderness a road for the Lord! Clear the way in the desert for our God!

4 

Fill every valley; level every mountain. The hills will become a plain, and the rough country will be made smooth.

5 

Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it. The Lord himself has promised this.”

6 

A voice cries out, “Proclaim a message!” “What message shall I proclaim?” I ask. “Proclaim that all human beings are like grass; they last no longer than wild flowers.

7 

Grass withers and flowers fade when the Lord sends the wind blowing over them. People are no more enduring than grass.

8 

Yes, grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures forever.”

9 

Jerusalem, go up on a high mountain and proclaim the good news! Call out with a loud voice, Zion; announce the good news![Speak out and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah that their God is coming!

10 

The Sovereign Lord is coming to rule with power, bringing with him the people he has rescued.

11 

He will take care of his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs together and carry them in his arms; he will gently lead their mothers.