About the Cover: John the Baptist, like the Old Testament prophets before him, did not proclaim his own word, but the Word of God that came to him. As the mouthpiece of the Lord, John was calling God's people to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Lord. This season of Advent is likewise a time of preparation and repentance filled with hope in the coming of our Lord-the one who came as the Word made flesh, redeemed us by His cross and resurrection, and will come again.